An Alabama game warden has determined the mutilated animal found in northern Colbert County in early December was a coyote.

This comes one week after a fisherman discovered the dead animal near River Road. Authorities say the coyote's ears were cut off, it was skinned down to its bones and someone neutered the animal as well.

While animal control first thought the animal was a dog, a veterinarian could not make a clear determination. A game warden eventually made the determination that the animal was indeed a coyote.

Authorities say this was an intentional act by a human, but because the animal was not a dog, the perpetrator cannot face animal cruelty charges.

If you have any information on this case you are asked to call Colbert County Animal Control at 256-381-4073.