Exotic South American Animal Spotted Roaming Colorado Wilderness

There’s a furry fugitive on the loose.

Wildlife officials are attempting to capture an adorable, rabbit-like rodent native to South America, spotted frolicking in the Colorado mountains.

The exotic Patagonian mara a small critter measuring two to three feet tall has been seen by park rangers, hikers, and visitors in Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, Colorado, about 15 miles from downtown Denver, according to officials from 9 News. “They are a larger species of rodent, with ears that are quite long like a rabbit and legs that resemble those of a deer,” said Kat Emanuel, an animal care specialist at the Denver Zoo, to the outlet.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are trying to trap the furry little friend and find it a new home, but have not succeeded yet. Patagonian maras are long-eared, hoof-legged rodents with a coat of “stiff, dense and very fine” gray-brown fur, a white patch on their center, and a hint of orange around their flanks and head, as described by the National Zoo.

These animals are primarily found in the grasslands and brushlands of central and southern Argentina. They are classified as “near threatened” under wildlife conservation status and can live approximately 14 years in human care.

Officials suspect that the runaway rodent might have been someone’s pet and is accustomed to being around people, given the numerous sightings by park-goers. “It could be concerning. That kind of behavior suggests he’s probably not used to watching out for many dangers in his environment,” said Emily Insalaco, senior director of animal care at the Denver Zoo.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers have set live traps around the area, using “a combination of fruits and vegetables” since the mara is an herbivore, the outlet reported.

CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose hopes the traps will lure the furry critter in so they can find the mara a more sheltered life in the US. “We don’t know much about the animal itself,” Insalaco said. “We don’t know its temperament. The main goal is to get it somewhere safe, ensure it’s healthy, and then proceed from there.”

Officials have asked the public to keep an eye out for the little guy, but if seen, do not approach the animal, feed it, or try taking a picture with the mara.