Police in Preston, England, captured three "wolf-type" animals on Thursday after reports of mysterious creatures roaming residential streets. Lancashire Police responded to calls around 4:15 PM about unusual animals spotted in the Station Lane area of Barton.
Officers, including specially trained dog handlers, secured the three animals and moved them to a safe location. The exact species remains unknown, with investigations ongoing to determine what type of creatures they are.
Lancashire Police issued a statement: «You may have seen some speculation online about some animals found in the Barton area of Preston earlier today, and we want to provide you with some context. At around 4.15pm we received a report of what were thought to be wolf-type animals roaming in the Station Lane area. Officers, including our specially trained dog handlers attended, and the three animals have been secured and taken to a safe location.»
The statement continued: «Enquiries into what type of animal they are, are ongoing, and once those enquiries have been conducted, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities. We know this might have caused some discussion in the community, so we thought it important to provide you with this update and reassure you that there is not thought to be any risk to the public.»
Speculation and expert opinion
Local residents debated the animals' identity on social media, with theories ranging from coyotes to golden jackals or hybrid wolfdogs. One person who claimed to have reported the sighting wrote on a police post: «It was me that called the police and these were not wolves. They looked wolf like but were walking on their hind legs.»
Wendy Mulela posted on the Homeward Bound Facebook group, suggesting a likely explanation: «As the wild wolf is not indigenous to the UK, these are more likely to be hybrid breeds of Wolfdogs. Though I agree, they do look unkempt. We have just received news that the police have safely caught the dogs and they are now in a safe location.»
Police added a humorous Halloween-themed update on social media: «Tonight our officers responded to howling reports of wolves roaming the neighbourhood. After a thorough search (and a few goosebumps) we can confirm a pack of trick or treaters were (wolf) located. They are now safe and sound in bed. Happy Howwwlaween!!»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
