Obscure Creature Caught On Texas State Park Camera Triggers Intrigue

A strange mystery has been taking place over in the Rio Grande Valley the past week as an unidentifiable creature was caught on camera.

Per CBS News, a game camera set up by a visitor caught the elusive animal on video before it was handed over to the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park to be identified. Texas Parks and Wildlife eventually opened up the mystery to the community by sharing the image online, in hopes that someone can recognize the creature.

As one commenter pointed out, the animal resembles a cross between a pig and a bear in some parts of the footage. Some wondered if it was an escaped animal from a nearby zoo or a new species not yet made public. Other loftier theories posited it was an alien from outer space, or even a sighting of the mythical chupacabra.

It would seem that it was a case of mistaken identity. Many eventually came to the conclusion that it could be a common American badger, which is not to be confused with the more familiar honey badger. However, they are usually elusive and nocturnal, so it was a rare sight for locals

To add to the intrigue, the beast captured on camera appeared pregnant, making it appear larger and longer than it usually might be.

After a debate erupted over the strange creature spotted in the valley, experts now agree in a revised statement that it might be an American badger, after all. Although sightings of these evasive animals are rare, officials emphasized that they are native to the region.

[via DIY Photography and PetaPixel, images via various sources]