Do you know what this rare creature is? It was found clinging to a porch in Texas

 

What kind of animal is THAT?!!!

Imagine walking out onto your front porch and coming face to face with an unfamiliar creature that doesn’t seem all that happy to see you.

That’s what a man in San Antonia encountered when he walked out on to his porch.

Identified by the Animal Care Services as “Mr. R”, the man wasn’t sure what kind of creature was clinging to the pillar of his porch’s entryway looking back at him.

“All he knew is that he needed help. So, after a quick call to 3-1-1, ACS officers knew the scared animal was likely a coati, a wild, non-native species prohibited in San Antonio,” the services said in a statement.

Coatis are regularly found in Central and South America and are rare in South Texas.

Animal Care Lieutenant Snowden knew that the carnivorous animal is often found in the illegal exotic animal trade.

She and Animal Care Sergeants Olivares, Lopez, and Delacruz rushed to the scene and safely captured the non-native mammal.

Coatis are diurnal animals in the same family as raccoons….and like any wildlife, they’re definitely not pets.

Once the officers arrived, they were escorted to a neighbouring back yard where the coati retreated.

The nimble creature gave the officers a good work-out in trying to capture her, but with teamwork- and a short sprint – they managed to safely contain her.

It was then that they spoke with the self-proclaimed owner who lived on the same street.

Because coatis are wild animals, they are illegal to own in San Antonio and the state of Texas. After consultation with Game Wardens from Texas Parks & Wildlife, the services loaded up the young mammal and transferred her to a local wildlife rehabilitation and rescue organization.

Not only do wild animals like coatis make terrible house pets but owning one could result in confiscation and a fine up to $2,000.

“Please, let wild animals stay wild,” the Animal Care Services statement concluded.

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Peg Fong is also in recovery from newspapers

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