Live television can be a lot of fun but it can also present certain logistical challenges. When the viewer is confronted with images that they cannot be shielded from, this can cause any number of different issues. In some cases, an unexpected visitor might come by mid show and those who are responsible for the program have to be able to roll with these sorts of punches.
Just take this story, for instance. A guest happened to stop by and it led to a great deal of debate. We all know what happens once the Internet gets their hands on clips like these, as well. The debates begin and they rage on for days and weeks at a time. This Utah news reporter found themselves in a dark, wooded area when their unscheduled guest arrived on the scene.
Terrifying ???? A dog, maybe a mountain lion, made it’s TV debut during my morning live shot!!! What animal do you think this it is? pic.twitter.com/gklGAGHH5e
— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018
When the animal made its way into the picture, the reporter laughed it off initially. We would have done the same. Morgan Saxton was determined to remain calm while all of this was taking place and we cannot blame her. One little dog shouldn’t be able to bring a show to a screeching halt. However, a tweet that captured this moment went viral.
Dog or a mountain lion? What do you think? I don't know, but what I do know is @KUTVMorgan gets an A+ for staying cool, calm and collected while it walked past her on LIVE TV! #2NewsAM pic.twitter.com/7cco2o1V2m
— Holly Menino (@KUTVHolly) October 3, 2018
This is when the debate began. While there are some who believed that it was a dog on their screens, there were others who were not so sure about this matter. They believed that they had actually seen a cougar instead. Of course, Twitter immediately went into debate mode and tried to put on their detective hats to get to the bottom of all this.
CONFIRMED: Just spoke woth @UtahDWR They believe it’s a dog, based on the paw prints ???? Thanks to the guy who came out to check on things after getting an early morning wake-up call ???? https://t.co/56odDdMO3i
— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018
Some even thought that it was a mountain lion. All we can say is that we are happy Morgan is safe and sound. This could have turned out much worse for her if she was not careful. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources eventually had to weigh in on the matter. They said that they could not make any sort of confirmation from the video.
Instead, their professionals would need to visit the scene and collect evidence themselves. Before too long, they reported their findings. As it turns out, the creature was a canine. Morgan was sure to keep her Twitter followers in the loop while the information was being gathered. Thank God this mystery has been solved! We may have lost actual sleep over this one. Be sure to share this show stealing dog with your loved ones!
CANINE OR COUGAR? This is the paw print found in the mud after my live shot. @UtahDNR says the foothills are know for cougar sightings AND the way it walked it could have easily been mistaken for one. BUT they are 99% sure it was a DOG that stole the show! pic.twitter.com/KbTxFMVkqT
— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018
Just wrapped up an interview with @UtahDNR – Scott tells me I had every right to think it was a cougar coming toward me. He’s a biology expert and didn’t know for sure (based on the video) what animal I could be. He says the proof is in a paw print ???? #2NewsAM pic.twitter.com/MFn4PAXDCf
— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018
MYSTERY SOLVED: The owner of this camera-friendly fella just sent us a picture of their pup who made it’s way into my live shot this morning. Come back anytime! #talkofthetown pic.twitter.com/CyECb9qKKQ
— Morgan Saxton (@KUTVMorgan) October 3, 2018