Strange non-native animal identified after sightings at Lakewood's Bear Creek Lake Park
LAKEWOOD, Colo. — An odd-looking animal not native to Colorado has been reported in Bear Creek Lake Park, and officials are now creating a plan on what's next for the critter.
Amber Thill, operations manager for the City of Lakewood's Community Resources Department, said the department has received multiple reports about the animal from both rangers and park visitors.
Hill said they — as well as Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) — believe the animal is a Patagonian mara, which are native to central and southern Argentina. They resemble a capybara, which is one of their closest relatives.
The animals are not harmful to people.
They are sometimes also called Patagonian cavies or Patagonian hares, according to Zoo Atlanta , which houses two of the animals.
Strange non-native animal identified after sightings at Lakewood's Bear Creek Lake ParkPatagonian maras are long-legged rodents with long ears, short tails and long legs that help them reach speeds up to 35 mph.
"The general form of Patagonian maras is that of a long-legged rodent with a body similar to a hoofed animal," the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute said.
They typically have gray or brown coats, with a white patch on the chest and orange coloration around the head, according to the National Zoo. Patagonian maras are about 27 inches long and weigh between 17 and 35 pounds. They tend to prefer grasslands and brushy areas that have plenty of open space, according to the zoo. The animals mostly eat grasses, cacti, flowers, fruits and seeds.
Hill said this Patagonian mara was most likely a pet, as it does not seem afraid of people.
"Our protocol is to work with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, who will safely capture and relocate the mara to a new home," Hill said. "CPW is currently working on identifying a home."
If anybody sees the Patagonian mara, contact the Bear Creek Lake Park Visitors Center at 303-697-6159.
