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Exotic animal discovered in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills police officer's probably weren't expecting to rescue a kinkajou from the summer heat this week, but that's exactly what they did.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - Police in North Richland Hills were called about something resembling a kangaroo or monkey, but what they found was even more surprising.
Kinkajou rescue
What we know:
On Aug. 20, North Richland Hills police officers received a call about reports of a kangaroo or monkey near a business on Rufe Snow Drive and Loop 820.
When officers arrived, they discovered a kinkajou hiding from the summer heat behind a trash can. The creature appeared to be hot and dehydrated.
Police safely corralled the kinkajou and captured it before North Richland Hills Animal Services arrived and took the kinkajou into their care.
What is a kinkajou?
Creature Feature:
A kinkajou is a small, tree-dwelling animal most commonly found in rainforests in Central and South America.
Kinkajous are most closely related to raccoons, but are often called a "honey bear" due to its golden fur and love for sweets.
The critters grow to about two feet in length, and their tails can be as long as their bodies.
What we don't know:
The owner of the kinkajou is currently a mystery.
To own a kinkajou in Texas, you must buy one from a licensed breeder in the state, or get a health certificate to transport one from another state.
North Richland Hills does not allow exotic pets.
What they're saying:
"They got a towel, and they captured him as our captain said, kind of like Steve Irwin."
Carissa Katekaru, the North Richland Hills Police Department's Public Affairs Administrator, says a specialist discovered the creature was female this morning.
"Because it was out on the hot concrete, it does have a few burn marks on its paws, but they are going to work on rehabbing her and helping get her back to full health."
Carissa Katekaru
What's next:
North Richland Hills Animal Services is working to locate the kinkajou's owner or find a permanent placement for the creature.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the North Richland Hills Police Department, North Richland Hills Animal Services, and the San Diego Zoo's website.