Another mystery has been solved thanks to the Internet.
On Monday, redditor SwordieLotus posted a clip on the popular forum-based website that captured an odd animal sighting that reportedly took place in Morrison, Colorado.
The animal is spotted on a trail, looking something like a small deer mixed with a capybara – definitely not a species that's native to the Centennial State.
The clip was posted in the 'Animal ID' subreddit, which is a forum where users post images and videos of animals they encounter in hopes that someone else in the group will be able to identify the species.
Other users were quick to pin the species as a Patagonian cavy, which is large 'rabbit-like' rodent native to Argentina.
A comparison between the animal captured on video and images of the Patagonian cavy, also known as a Patagonian mara, make it obvious that the identification is spot on. But that raised another question – how did an animal native to Argentina end up on a trail in Morrison?
Thankfully, the original poster followed up to provide more of the story after chatting with local park rangers. Apparently, it appears as if someone released the animal into the area – likely once a pet – with a ranger confirming its presence, as well. Park rangers told the poster to keep an eye out for the animal if they're in the area again, presumably so that it can be captured and cared for.
Ownership of the Patagonian cavy is generally illegal in Colorado , though some special permitting instances may exist. That said, some American states, such as Oregon, Alabama, and Texas, do allow owning the species as a pet.
Find the full post on Reddit here .
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