'Mystery animal' in Texas? Wildlife officials investigate what was caught on camera
What could it be?
Texas wildlife officials were left "scratching our heads" trying to figure out a "mystery animal" that was captured on camera, and are asking the public to help figure out what it is.
The animal was spotted in the Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas last week, Texas Parks and Wildlife said on the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park Facebook page, prompting an investigation into what it is.
"Is it a new species? An escapee from a nearby zoo? Or just a park ranger in disguise?," officials said. "Regardless, it's thrilling to see such an incredible animal in its natural habitat."
What could the 'mystery animal' be?
The Facebook post had over 1,000 comments guessing what the animal could be, and in an update to the post, officials said it is very likely an American badger.
"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," officials said in the update.
Guesses on the Facebook post included a badger, an otter and a capybara, among others.
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What to know about the American badger
The American badger can be found through western and central U.S., according to the National Park Service, and are mainly associated with grasslands and desert scrublands. They are mostly nocturnal animals and only venture above ground unless temperatures are above freezing.
Texas wildlife officials say the badger is found throughout Texas except in the farthest eastern edge of the state.
"While American Badgers are not commonly seen in the valley (partly due to their nocturnal behavior), this is part of their natural range," officials said.
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