The Furry Fugitive: Patagonian Mara on the Loose in Colorado

In the wilds of Colorado, a Patagonian mara, a rabbit-like rodent native to South America, has been spotted by park rangers, hikers, and visitors in Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood, just 15 miles outside of downtown Denver. This two to three-foot-tall critter has long ears like a rabbit and legs resembling a deer, making it quite the exotic sight.

Efforts to capture the mara and find it a new home have been unsuccessful so far. Officials believe the runaway rodent could have been someone’s pet, as it appears to be accustomed to human presence. The Denver Zoo’s animal care specialist, Kat Emanuel, described it as “a larger species of rodent, even though they’ve got ears that are pretty long like a rabbit and legs that look almost like a deer.”

The Patagonian mara is primarily found in the grasslands and brushlands of central and southern Argentina. It is listed as "near threatened" under wildlife conservation status and can live up to 14 years in human care.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers have set live traps using fruits and vegetables to lure the herbivore. CPW spokesperson Kara Van Hoose hopes to secure the mara soon for a safer life in the U.S.

So, if you’re hiking in Bear Creek Lake Park and spot this quirky little rodent, resist the urge to snap a selfie. Instead, alert the park rangers, and let them handle this unusual situation. It’s just another day in the life of Colorado’s wild and wonderful outdoors!