Why was an animal native only to South America wandering around a Denver park?

Wildlife officials said on Tuesday (July 2) they are searching for a South American rodent that has been spotted at a Lakewood park.

A Patagonian mara was reported by park rangers, hikers and visitors at Bear Creek Lake Park.

Patagonian maras are about the size of large hare, generally weighing around 20 pounds, and are herbivores and not a threat to humans.

Lakewood officials believe the mara was likely a pet because it is willingly approaching people.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers are working to locate, trap and find a new home for the animal, a Lakewood spokesperson said.

Anyone visiting Bear Creek Lake Park who runs into the large rodent can call the park’s visitor’s center at 303-697-6159 to report its location.