Residents of Mountshannon, a quiet village in County Clare, were left uneasy last week after a video surfaced online showing what appeared to be a lion roaming the woods. The clip spread rapidly across social media, prompting concerned calls to police and widespread speculation about a wild animal on the loose, The Independent reports.

Local Gardaí launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports of a “large animal” seen entering the trees. For several days, the creature’s identity remained a mystery, with theories ranging from an escaped exotic pet to a prank gone wrong.

Photo: X / gardainfo

Residents of Mountshannon feared a lion was on the loose.

The Viral Discovery

The mystery was finally solved when officers from Killaloe Garda Station tracked down the supposed predator. It wasn’t a lion. It wasn’t even close. It was a Newfoundland dog named Mouse — and a very friendly one at that, according to Gardaí quoted by Ireland Live.

“If you go down to the woods today... it’s not a lion you will find but the very friendly Newfoundland dog named Mouse,” Gardaí wrote in a lighthearted Facebook post. The officers added that Mouse “was delighted with his recent viral video clip.”

Mouse’s owner confirmed that his striking appearance was due to a recent grooming session. The dog’s thick coat had been shaved down, leaving a dense ruff around his head and neck — a look that gave him a lion-like silhouette. His tail, too, had a tuft of fur at the end, completing the illusion, The Journal notes.

Photo: X / gardainfo

Gardaí received multiple reports of a possible wild predator.

When Grooming Gets Wild

While the mix-up brought laughter across Ireland, it also prompted discussion about proper grooming practices for double-coated breeds like Newfoundlands.

Siobhan McHaffie, Director of Operations at the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA), told BBC News that shaving such dogs “is generally not recommended” unless medically necessary.

“Their thick double coat regulates temperature and protects their skin,” she said. “Removing it can lead to sunburn, overheating, and other health complications.”

McHaffie added that while Mouse appeared happy and well cared for, the incident highlights the need to groom dogs responsibly and prioritize their wellbeing.

A Tale with a Happy Ending

The so-called “lion of Clare” turned out to be nothing more than a well-loved pet with an unfortunate haircut. Locals who had feared a wild predator now laugh at the mix-up, and Mouse himself is enjoying his fame. Gardaí shared photos of the oversized dog alongside smiling officers, putting the community at ease.

For all the excitement, the episode left one clear message: in Ireland’s forests, the biggest surprise may come not from wildlife — but from a dog with style.