A mysterious grave reported on Polecat Bench this summer contains “the remains of a beloved family pet” and not a human body, the Park County Sheriff’s Office announced last week.

A private landowner had discovered the grave on their property and reported it to the sheriff’s office in mid-August.

Adding to the site’s unusual nature was a metal cross with the name “Morgan,” positioned at one end of the grave. Multiple rings were attached to the cross by a necklace chain, while the cross itself contained a pair of numbers indicating that it was meant to memorialize a person who lived from 1988 to 2003.

As part of its investigation, the sheriff’s office ran cadaver dogs at the site, which indicated there might be human remains, department spokesman Lance Mathess said. Investigators turned to the public for tips in September, drawing significant interest on social media.

In a Thursday Facebook post announcing the close of the case, the sheriff’s office indicated that someone familiar with the creation of the site came forward to explain that a pet was buried at the site. The post said that investigators have since “verified that the grave does not contain human remains.”

“As to the significance of the cross, those responsible for the grave have asked to remain anonymous and that their privacy be respected,” the sheriff’s office said.

The site is located a couple miles east of Wyo. Highway 294, north of Powell. It is illegal to bury animals or people on private land without permission from the landowner.