Mystery Animal Sightings: Maryland, Texas & Beyond

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A mystery animal sighting in Maryland has garnered global attention, with many speculating about its identity after new images emerged from Texas suggesting a possible connection. Initial guesses ranged from exotic animals to a disease outbreak. However, animal control officials later identified the creature as a fox suffering from sarcoptic mange, a skin condition caused by parasites that leads to significant hair loss. This diagnosis clarifies that the sightings are likely linked to the same condition rather than an unknown species. The media's coverage has amplified public interest and speculation surrounding these sightings.
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Maryland Mystery Animal 'Seen' All Over The World

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Since a mystery animal appeared on our sister Web site in Baltimore two weeks ago, people from around the world have looked at the pictures and sent in guesses as to what it may be.

Now, new pictures of a strange animal in Texas have some wondering if it is the same creature seen in central Maryland. [continued]

http://www.nbc6.net/news/3591070/detail.html

This is Picture 17 of 21 from the link:
http://images.ibsys.com/2004/0729/3590966.jpg

Aside from the fact that the media is hyping all of this so much, what do you think is going on? Are these just a few isolated cases, or might we have some kind of outbreak of mange, or some disease going around? I am just posting for discussion here. No connection to the media hype is intended or desired.
 
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Biology news on Phys.org
To me it looks like a shaved hyena, High shoulder and lower hips.
 
I should mention that the picture above is a side by side comparison of the Maryland animal, and the one shot in Texas this week from this thread:

Strange animal shot and killed.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=37258
 
Baby Md. Mystery Animal Caught, Identified

Animal control officers took the creature to the Falls Road Animal Hospital. They determined it was a fox with sarcoptic mange.

"It is a skin parasite that looks -- under the microscope -- like spiders," said Dr. Herko. "One of the signs of the disease is hair loss and you've seen he's lost a good portion of its hair -- a good 70 percent."

http://www.thewbalchannel.com/news/3604803/detail.html
 
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