'Mystery animal' caught on camera in Rio Grande Valley leaves park officials stumped

A snap of a mystery animal has sent officials and locals baffled after it was spotted in a Texas state park. 

Authorities at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, of Texas Parks and Wildlife, posted a picture of the beast on social media - asking for help identifying it. 

The small four legged animal can be seen sniffing the ground close to a tree, after being captured by a night camera. 

Posting on Facebook the park said:  'Captured on game camera - a mystery animal lurking in the Rio Grande Valley! '

We're scratching our heads trying to identify this elusive creature. Is it a new species? An escapee from a nearby zoo? Or just a park ranger in disguise? 

The small four legged animal can be seen sniffing the ground close to a tree, after being captured by a night camera

'Regardless, it's thrilling to see such an incredible animal in its natural habitat. We'll keep you updated as we continue to investigate this mystery. 

'Have you ever captured a mysterious animal on camera? Share your story in the comments, and let us know what you think this animal is!'

The post attracted hundreds of comments of people guessing what the animal could be - with some ideas closer to the mark than others. 

One guessed that it was 'a bear' but if not then definitely a 'park ranger in disguise', while another added it was a 'good ol' Texas size rate'. 

Anther said 'capybara?', before a third added: 'How about a picture of a deer in the same spot so we can get some size context.' 

But after a few days of speculation park officials unveiled wht they beleived the animal was  - an American Badger. 

The post attracted hundreds of comments of people guessing what the animal could be - with some ideas closer to the mark than others

They said in an updated post: 'Wow, this photo has got a lot of attention! We agree with most of the comments that this is very likely an American Badger'

Authorities at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, of Texas Parks and Wildlife, posted a picture of the beast on social media - asking for help identifying it

They said in an updated post: '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 rumored to not care very much. 

'To clarify, this photo was taken by a park visitor and we do not have an exact location where this photo was taken, except it was indeed in the RGV. 

'While American Badgers are not commonly seen in the valley (partly due to their nocturnal behavior), this is part of their natural range.'

It’s unclear where exactly in the Rio Grande Valley the photo was taken.