Zombie dog? Chupacabra? Mystery animal seen in cemetery

MERRIMACK, 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 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 coyote, or perhaps a chupacabra, a purported gargoyle-like creature that drains the blood of goats and other victims.

Lt. Matthew Tarleton acknowledges the animal looks like something out of a horror movie, but said a Fish and Game officer believes it is a fox afflicted with mange.

He says anyone who sees it should call police, who will decide whether it should be put down.

This story was originally published June 23, 2016 at 11:11 AM with the headline "Zombie dog? Chupacabra? Mystery animal seen in cemetery."