'A ranger in disguise': Internet speculates about 'mystery animal' caught on camera in Texas park
RIO GRANDE CITY, TEXAS: Texas park officials, as well as the general public, were taken aback by a "mystery animal" that was observed in the Rio Grande Valley. A visitor's trail camera captured a hairy, small, and muscular four-legged creature as it was seen strolling at night in the state park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife employees at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park asked for assistance from social media users after posting a picture of an odd-looking animal on the park's Facebook page last week. The state park wrote in a Facebook post, "Captured on game camera - a mystery animal lurking in the Rio Grande Valley. We're scratching our heads trying to identify this elusive creature. Is it a new species? An escapee from a nearby zoo? Or just a park ranger in disguise?"
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'Man, the the heck is that? Its amazing'
The state park continued, "Regardless, it's thrilling to see such an incredible animal in its natural habitat. We'll keep you updated as we continue to investigate this mystery." They further asked people to contribute their own experiences of spotting uncommon creatures, as well as their best guesses as to what the creature seen in Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park was.
Many individuals have shared their thoughts on what the creature was in the more than 900 comments that have been left. One person wrote, "Looks like a badger to me. We had lots of them in Nebraska. I saw one in south Ellis co about 40 years ago." Another person wrote, "Jaguarundi? Rare in Texas but I've seen one once." A third person wrote, "I enlarged it. Man, the the heck is that ? Its amazing." This other person wrote, "Looks like a badger to me we had Badgers in Michigan." After observing the amount of discussion, one individual felt that going to this park was essential and commented, "I really find it amazing, that so much inspiration has come from this post! Clearly this park is a visit!" One Facebook user wrote, "If it's not a bear, then I would guess a park ranger in disguise!! lol." While most of the users thought the animal was a Badger, one social media user wrote, "I think it's a wolverine."
What species is the mystery animal?
The state park officials revealed what they think the unidentified species may be after much speculating and debating. "Wow, this photo has got a lot of attention!" the state park wrote. "We agree with most of the comments that this is very likely an American Badger (not to be confused with the Honey Badger that lives in Africa and Asia and is rumored to not care very much)."
"To clarify, this photo was taken by a park visitor and we do not have an exact location where this photo was taken, except it was indeed in the RGV. While American Badgers are not commonly seen in the valley (partly due to their nocturnal behavior), this is part of their natural range," the state park concluded.
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online