Officials provide update on 'exotic' non-native critter spotted on Colorado trail

In case you missed it, a Patagonian Mara – native to Argentina – was recently spotted on a trail in the Denver area. The sighting raised obvious questions – for starters, how did an animal native to an entirely different part of the world end up in the Centennial State?

About two weeks after the sighting went viral, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has posted an update on the situation.

The wildlife officials believe that the animal is likely an abandoned domesticated pet. Officials also noted that their search for the animal continues, with CPW hoping to place the Patagonian Mara in an appropriate institution for long-term care if it's found.

While the Patagonian Mara is legal to own as a pet in some American states, that's not the case in Colorado. Only licensed facilities can possess them in the Centennial State.

The Patagonian Mara is a large rodent species that is often described visually as some sort of mix between a rabbit and capybara. They're herbivores and can weigh between 17 and 35 pounds .

Anyone who believes they may have spotted the Patagonian Mara should contact wildlife authorities at 303-291-7227 to report the sighting.

Wildlife officials also urged the public not to release unwanted pets into the wild, regardless of their species. "It is illegal and unethical," wrote officials, also noting that domesticated animals are often unable to protect themselves from predators and struggle to find food and shelter in nature. Unwanted animals may be surrendered to an animal shelter and if the animal is exotic or illegal to own in Colorado, contact a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office.

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