Beach users are being advised to steer clear of the remains which appear to be covered in fur
The creature’s ribcage was clearly visible(Image: Kevin Stagg)
Walkers and dog owners have been put on alert after a mysterious carcass was found on a beach. The rotting remains of an animal appeared on Traeth Penrhos, Anglesey in the wake of Easter’s Storm Dave.
Most carcasses washed up on shorelines are marine mammals carried on ocean currents. Unusually, this one was covered in fur and appeared to have the partial remains of four legs.
When photos of the carcase were posted online, a woman said the creature “didn’t look aquatic”. Theories included a cow, horse, llama or alpaca.
Closer inspection of one leg showed it had a cloven hoof with two distinct toes. This ruled out a horse, which has single hooves. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday
The carcase was a jumble of bones and fur(Image: Kevin Stagg)
Another suggestion was a deer which, given its size, appears most likely. Someone indicated it might be an escaped or feral deer from the Bodorgan Estate, the island’s largest estate with land around the Malltraeth estuary.
Online, dog owners were urged to steer clear of the “dead something”. The advice was appreciated by a woman who said: “My two would have been rolling in that!”
A walker said he will also be giving it a wide berth, saying: “Was planning a walk along the beach from Malltraeth to Abermenai Point – I think I’ll go elsewhere, don’t fancy getting a whiff of that!”
The animal appeared to have a split (cloven) hoof(Image: Kevin Stagg)
The large sandy beach is part of the extensive Newborough National Nature Reserve in the southwest corner of the island.
Running up to Ynys Llanddwyn, it’s less visited than its more famous neighbour. Backed by extensive dunes, and feeling more isolated, a distinctive beach landmark is the skeletal wreck of the brig Athena.
This ship ran into trouble during a winter storm in December 1852 when sailing from Alexandria to Liverpool. Fourteen crew were rescued by local lifeboat men. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
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