A timberwolf reported to be loose on East Main in Albert Lea on Monday evening is actually a loose dog &045; a husky-wolf blend &045; that had escaped from its owners. Officers spotted the animal around 8 p.m. on Monday, but it eluded capture. The owner was reported as trying to track the dog down on Tuesday.

Separate witnesses reported seeing the animal between 8 and 9 p.m. around Fountain Street and Vine Avenue, and near Fountain Lake.

Unconfirmed reports said the dog was running around the fairgrounds on Tuesday afternoon, and had killed ducks in one resident’s yard.

According to the police department, the animal is shy, and is not known to be dangerous. As with any strange animal, however, caution is advised when trying to approach it.