The viral alleged “lion” filmed running in a forested area in Ireland has been apprehended by Gardaí in Co. Clare.
Last week, a video began circulating on social media purporting to show a creature that looked like a lion running through an Irish forest. It was filmed from a truck.
At the time, Gardaí said they were investigating the reports.
Following an investigation, Gardaí in East Co. Clare discovered the source of the sighting of a “lion-like animal”, which was in fact a dog.
“If you go down to the woods today…its not a lion you will find, but the very friendly Newfoundland dog named Mouse,” the local Gardaí said in a statement.
“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.”
Reports indicate that the sighting took place in the vicinity of Mountshannon in County Clare, although several social media posts have tied the incident to Kells in County Meath.
Social media users mostly reacted with levity to the revelation.
“Thankfully he is safe and no hunting fool went on a scouting expedition for the first ‘wild lion’ in Ireland!” said one person.
Others said he was “gorgeous”, a “beauty of a dog”, and praised the Gardaí for getting him safe and sound.