A hunter killed a mountain lion with a deformity never seen before

A hunter in Idaho who killed a mountain lion involved in an attack on a dog discovered the lion had a beastly deformity. A set of fangs and whiskers were growing out of its head. A pic released Thursday by Idaho Fish and Game shows the big cat had another set of fully-formed teeth and whiskers growing out of the top of its head.


Wildlife officials say they have never seen a deformity like that but have offered up several theories. One explanation put forth is that it may be a conjoined that died in the womb and its remnants merged into the other twin. Another explanation is a so-called "teratoma" tumor.

This type of abnormality, whose Greek name translates to "monster tumor," can grow teeth and hair. In humans, it can grow fingers and toes.