DEP: Sample Found in Greenwich Came from a Canine, Not a Mountain Lion

State environmental officials announced Thursday a scat sample found at an Audubon property in Greenwich in recent weeks was not from a mountain lion, but rather from a canine.

The Department of Environmental Protection collected the sample on June 12 following reports of a mountain lion sighting , near the Audubon property.

But after the U.S. Department of Agriculture analyzed the scat at a facility in Montana, it was announced the sample lifted came from an animal such as a dog, coyote or fox, the DEP said in a press release.

Officials, residents and media outlets throughout the state had been abuzz with news of possible mountain lions in Connecticut during that time — particularly after one of the large cats was . The DEP said the animal killed in Milford might have been the same one . 

Mountain lions are reportedly known to travel long distances, and are capable of swimming, DEP Spokesman Dennis Schain has said. The distance between Greenwich and Milford is roughly 40 miles.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has said there are no native species of mountain lions in Connecticut, however the animal struck on Route 15 was confirmed to be a mountain lion. The DEP maintained the animal  and on Thursday it said it continues to investigate any ownership of the animal.

According to state statute, it is illegal to hold a wild animal in captivity.