On February 15 a Bosnian radio station, Radio Beta reported the discovery of an unknown animal species in the Jalija district of Zenica. The creature was found near a manhole in a downtown street and was initially described as looking like a lizard, with "characteristic head, strong legs, tail and chest", suggesting it is a type of species "between amphibians and mammals", said examining Zenica vets.
Two days later, the radio station said that first findings from experts of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, concluded the creature was definitely not a domestic animal.
That same day, according to Radio Beta, a woman weeding her flower garden in Travnik discovered another mystery animal lying dead among leaves.
She said, "I thought it was a squirrel or a little dog, but my neighbours assured me that it was an animal similar to that in Zenica", said Zlata Islamovic in an interview with the Daily avaz newspaper.
On February 19, the radio station carried a further update, reported on a press conference held in Sarajevo, during which veterinarian faculty expert team leader Dr Ibrahim Arnautovic said the "mysterious" animal found dead the previous week in the center of Zenica Town is a wild animal; the marten, or pine marten "matres matres".
He reassured the Bosnian public that there was no cause for alarm and said experts speculated that an illegal hunter took the pelt, or fur, off the killed marten before placing the animal's body in the street in order to create some kind of panic.
Dr Arnautovic concluded by adding that the animal's carcass was in very bad condition, initially causing problems in identification.
G-fs
Mystery Bosnian Creature
Identified As Pine Marten By Vets
"What animal species we are dealing with will be known on Sunday. We have done part of the job immediately after taking over the body. The opinion of all of us working on the case is that we are on the way to obtaining 100% proof findings. We do not want to give statements until we have determined the origin of the animal", said Rizah Avdic, Senior Assistant at the Anatomy Institute of the School.
Why not visit Joe's own Cryptozoology Pages (and read about the Windigo!)
Above [right] the British Pine Marten now on the verge of extinction.
