Mystery animal caught on camera in Texas State Park, elusive creature stumps officials

Game cameras in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas caught sight of a strange-looking animal that was lurking in the national park at night. Park officials were also left stumped when they were unable to identify the 'mystery animal'.

Park officials with the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park of Texas Parks and Wildlife, also posted snapshots of the animal on Facebook in a bid to identify it.

"We're scratching our heads trying to identify this elusive creature," read the Facebook post from the Mission, Texas-based park. "Is it a new species? An escapee from a nearby zoo? Or just a park ranger in disguise?"



The furry, short, four-legged animal was caught on camera walking at night.

The social media users' had a number of ideas as to what the animal could be and they flocked to the comment section with their best guesses. One user even wrote, "If it's not a bear, then I would guess a park ranger in disguise!!"

Another commented, "A good ol' Texas-size rat."

Other internet users are unable to settle on one animal and went on to guess that it could be a beaver, wolverine, capybara and even an otter. A few sections of people also called the creature a badger and a user even called it a "pregnant badger!"

After several guesses, park officials shared what they believed it could be.

"Wow, this photo has got a lot of attention! 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 rumoured to not care very much)," the state park stated, adding. "While American Badgers are not commonly seen in the valley (partly due to their nocturnal behaviour), this is part of their natural range."