Werewolves in my setting turn during full moons. They appear very wolf-like aside from modified hips, legs, arms and neck allowing for a bipedal stance in addition to the quadrupedal stance.
Mass redistribution occurs when forming the tail; no mass is added. One werewolf had their tail severed by an axe right before daylight, clean swing right at the base. They turned back moments after. Reattachment of the tail to the base of the back was necessary for keeping it alive until the next full moon when it will be reabsorbed. The werewolf in question has their tail in human form till then.
Could it be successfully hidden from view or otherwise explained?
EDIT:The world is a planet very similar to modern day earth, with two major moons. both at low inclines ~2°,5° and orbiting at 1,4 orbital resonance (7.25 and 29 local days respectively) total eclipses happen far more frequently than on Earth. total Solar and total Lunar eclipses flip the physical and mental states of a werewolf respectively. e.g. werewolf mental control switches to human during full moon this they'd be in control during full moons. day state stay as human. direct contact with full lunar light when direct sun light is below 500lux triggers transformation. Locking a werewolf away, from direct sunlight, during a full moon until a solar eclipse will result in their full moon state being locked physically as a human. conversely exposing them from sunlight directly, avoiding the brighter stage of the full moon, to a total lunar eclipse will result in their day state being stuck as a wolf.
The biology stays the same, e.g. blood will remain human O- not change to DEA (dog blood). War being fought between the neighboring countries needs more blood supply. Being discovered would result in the character being kidnapped (involuntary conscription) and converted semi permanently into a physical and possibly mental wolf for use as a military dog substitute. Werewolves are compatible with human soldiers as blood bags, live longer than a dog, capable of incognito spying, loyalty can be beaten in by muzzling or exposure to total lunar eclipse, dehumanizing treatment.