A ‘mystery animal’ spotted within the Rio Grande Valley left Texas park officials – and the general public was perplexed.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park officials from Texas Parks and Wildlife sought the assistance of social media users once they posted a photo of the strange-looking – and apparently difficult to discover – animal on the park’s Facebook page last week.
The furry, short and stout four-legged creature was captured on trail camera footage by a park visitor during a night walk within the Rio Grande Valley.
“We’re scratching our heads attempting to discover this elusive creature. Is it a latest species? An escapee from the nearby zoo? Or perhaps just a park ranger in disguise? the wrote the state park. “Regardless, it’s exciting to see such a tremendous animal in its natural habitat.”
There was speculation, with greater than 600 users commenting on Thursday’s post.
“If it isn’t a bear, I’m guessing it’s a park ranger in disguise!” one commentator said while one other opined, “Good old rat the dimensions of Texas.”
Other guesses included beaver, wolverine, capybara or otter. Many thought the mystery animal was a badger, with one user saying it was a “pregnant badger!”
After much speculation and debate, park officials have revealed what they think it is likely to be.
“Wow, there was a lot of interest on this photo! We agree with most of the comments that that is most probably an American badger (to not be confused with the honey badger, which lives in Africa and Asia and is reportedly not overly concerned), the state park said, adding. “While American badgers should not commonly present in the valley (due partly to their nocturnal behavior), it is a component of their natural range.”
It will not be clear where exactly within the Rio Grande Valley the photo was taken, park officials said.