New theories on mystery beast in Concord cemetery

CONCORD, N.H. - Police in New Hampshire say a macabre mammal spotted in a town cemetery is likely a mangy fox - not a "zombie dog" or mythical beast as some have speculated.

A photo taken this week by the Merrimack Police Chief Mark Doyle and posted on Facebook attracted much speculation about the nearly hairless brown animal with a long tail and square jaw. Many guessed it was a rabid coyote, or perhaps a chupacabra, a purported gargoyle-like creature that drains the blood of goats and other victims. Others suspected a hoax.

"It definitely looked sick," he said Thursday.

Tarleton said anyone who sees it should call police, who will decide whether it should be killed.

"I know some people have suggested that we nurse it back to good health, but it's not realistic," he said. "For an animal this sick, it probably needs to be put down."