REVEALED |
The animal was spotted roaming through a wooded area
The Clare “Lion” turned out to be a dog named Mouse.
The true identity of a “Lion” spotted in Co. Clare has been revealed.
A video of the animal, which went viral on social media last week, showed a possible lion on the loose in woodlands in East Clare.
Now, Gardai have revealed that the “lion” is actually a “very friendly” Newfoundland dog named Mouse.
Taking to social media, An Garda Siochana Clare shared:
“If you go down to the woods today… It’s not a lion you will find, but the very friendly Newfoundland dog named Mouse.
“Gardaí from Killaloe have concluded that the recent video of a lion-like animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly Mouse, a Newfoundland dog who is delighted with his recent viral video clip.” The sighting was reported after a video, which appeared to have been taken by a truck driver, went viral online.
The Clare “Lion” turned out to be a friendly dog
The footage shows the dog, whose coat has been shaved to resemble the mane and bushy tail of a lion, in a forested area. Last week, Gardai released a statement in which they said they received a report of a “large animal in a wooded area in Co. Clare on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Enquiries were carried out.”
A source told the Irish Independent: “Gardai are aware of the video. We do not believe there’s a lion stalking the woodlands of Co Clare, or that there is a lion escaped from the zoo. People shouldn’t be afraid to go to the woods and everyone should sleep easy tonight – the chances of a lion attack on any member of the public this weekend is extremely remote.”
The Clare “Lion” turned out to be a dog named Mouse.
News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, November 4