A man who told police he shot a coyote in his backyard out of fear it would attack him was arrested on a charge of using weapons while under the influence.

Although the suspect, identified as Jason R. Massie, said he shot a coyote, deputies on the scene said the animal tracks in the snow matched that of a raccoon or even a cat, but not a coyote.

Massie told deputies he was outside drinking beer and watching a game when the coyote confronted him and started growling. He then called his wife and told her to bring him a gun, according to an arrest report. He said he shot the animal in the foot.

The yard was very dark, and when questioned how he could see the animal, he said he used light from his cell phone. Massie was slurring his words and had trouble walking with balance, according to the report.

Massie pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today. He said he would hire an attorney.

The animal was not located.