Rabbit-like animal from South America spotted in Bear Creek Lake Park

DENVER (KDVR) — A rabbit-like South American animal called the Patagonian mara was spotted in Bear Creek Lake Park, FOX31 has learned.

The park is in Lakewood, just east of Colorado Highway 470 and north of U.S. 285. According to the city of Lakewood, park rangers and visitors have reported encounters.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo says Patagonian maras are native to central and southern Argentina . They can weigh between 17 and 35 pounds when fully grown and are on average 27 inches long.

While it may at first appear to be a large rabbit, the mara can move by walking, hopping, galloping or stotting, which the National Zoo says is when an animal hops on all four limbs.

The mara is not harmful, and according to Lakewood, the one spotted was likely a pet based on its willingness to approach people. In human care, the National Zoo said they can live to be 14 years old.

Lakewood is working with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to capture and relocate the mara to a new home, which CPW is working to identify.

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