ANIMAL ATTACKS, KILLS BULL

BESSVILLE -- It is a killing without many clues, but the motive is clear -- hunger.

A 1,000-pound bull was attacked and killed Sunday night near Bessville in western Bollinger County. No one knows what killed it and authorities are looking for clues.

Newt Lincoln reported the attack. The bull, which is owned by Lincoln, his brother and father, was mauled and attacked at the throat.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and Bollinger County officials began investigating the attack Monday. The investigation will continue until authorities find the predator or find answers to their questions.

Kent West, an assistant regional supervisor for the conservation department, said indications are a canine is the predator.

"It's certainly a possibility that a large cat did this," West said. "But without a definitive track or blood or hair specimens, we can only speculate."

Rumors of a large cat roaming the area have been circulating for years, one farmer said.

Bollinger County Sheriff Dan Mesey said: "I've had at least seven people tell me they've seen a large cat in this area. I think a lot of people will find it hard to believe that a dog did this."

The width of the teeth marks and the lack of any claw marks or scratches are similar to clues found in canine attacks, West said.