The creature was encountered on a ranch outside Denton, Montana. Its appearance was peculiar, with long grayish-brown fur, a large head, and a snout. However, its ears seemed larger than average, and its legs and body were too short for a typical wolf. The photos taken by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) showed a raggedy wolf-like creature with some slightly unusual features.

The unusual appearance of the creature led to a flurry of theories. Social media users and local experts alike were puzzled. Some suggested it could be Bigfoot or a real-life dire wolf from "Game of Thrones". The speculation was fueled by the creature's seemingly short legs and big ears, which were not typical characteristics of a wolf. It was also suggested that the animal could be a hybrid wolf or a genetic anomaly.

To put the speculations to rest, a DNA test was ordered. The results, which came about a month later, revealed that the creature was actually a gray wolf from the northern Rocky Mountains. The DNA was tested at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forensic laboratory in Ashland, Oregon, and compared with thousands of other DNA samples from wolves, coyotes, and dogs.

Upon closer inspection at the wildlife lab in Bozeman, the creature appeared to be a relatively normal-looking, dark-brown wolf. It measured 45 inches from the tip of the nose to the rump and weighed 84.5 pounds. It was a non-lactating female, estimated to be between 2 and 3 years old.

The "Beast of Montana" turned out to be one of the approximately 900 wolves roaming Montana. This story serves as a reminder of the intrigue and fascination that surrounds cryptids and the unknown. It also underscores the importance of scientific investigation in unveiling the truth behind such mysteries.

While the "Beast of Montana" may not have been the cryptid some had hoped for, its story continues to captivate, reminding us of the enduring allure of the unknown and the wild landscapes that continue to harbor such mysteries.