The Clock Stopped
Based on how the animal was set in the hollow space, it was as though the clocked had stopped while it was trying to move forward or probably get out. But, for everyone, it was still a puzzle as to what happened to it. As they pondered among themselves, one logger came up with the most logical reasoning.
After inspecting the creature a few more times, including its teeth, everything started becoming clear to them as to what was happening.
It was a Pooch
The description of the creature included having a long snout, sharp teeth, and visible paws. Because it was close to the top end of the tree trunk, the woodcutters were able to see the features very clearly.
However, it became a mystery all over again when the loggers realized the creature was a dog. It was quite a depressing feeling among the workers as they came to the full understanding that it was a dog who was stuck there