'Mystery Animal' Found In PA, Quickly Escapes

PENNSYLVANIA — A "mystery animal" that remains unidentified by scientists has escaped from the Pennsylvania wildlife rehabilitation center where it was being held, according to animal rescue officials and media reports.

The animal, which could not be confirmed as either a dog or a coyote, was rescued from the cold last week by a woman in Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County, Erie News Now reports. He destroyed his cage, tearing into the wall and eventually opening a window before ripping out the screen, officials said. He also reportedly laid waste to the hospital area of the center on his way out.

The search for him is underway.

Genetic testing is underway at Wildlife Works, the center in Youngwood where the animal escaped from.

Experts at the center called it a "canid" — indicating that the enigmatic escapee is of the canidae family — but whether he is wild or domestic is uncertain.

Wildlife Works said that the response to the rescued animal has "literally been overwhelming," with major donations flooding in to assist with care prior to the escape.

"Folks are sending suggestions on species, as well as requests to be contacted with updates," the center shared. "We are sorry, but it is simply impossible to handle all of these requests."

Numerous residents have also requested to adopt the animal. But the center has other plans: if he is caught again and is found to be wild, he'll be rehabilitated and released. If he is domesticated, he would be transferred to a nearby shelter or rescue center for a decision on a possible adoption.