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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

"What is that?!": People mystified by small furry animal 'spotted in local park'

A fox? A bear? A 'furry pig thing'? A 'half-pig half-fox'? A bush dog?

The people of Heywood have been left mystified over an animal that a local resident claimed to have spotted in Queen's Park. Local resident John told the MEN he spotted it yesterday morning while out on his daily walk.

He posted a photo of the small, furry animal into the Heywood Town Facebook group and asked 'anyone know what this is?'. It caused quite a stir... with hundreds commenting on the post with their suggestions.

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Danielle said: "Looks like a bear." Denise wrote: "It's a fox".

Laura offered an unusual suggestion. "It looks half pig half fox", she said.

"It's a racoon dog", Stacey commented. Josh asked: "Is it a mink maybe?".

Most people identified the animal as a bush dog, which are canines native to Central and South America. They live in forests and wet savannahs and it would be extremely rare to see one in the UK.

Chris wrote: "It's a bush dog". Emily said: "Ring RSPCA, it's a bush dog".

Jennifer O'Neill said: "Omg it's a bush dog they are awesome they have them at Yorkshire wildlife park. They don't live in the wild here though should let RSPCA know."

But a few people questioned whether the animal was actually spotted in Heywood at all. Adam wrote: "Gullible people". Maxine asked: "Wind up?".

Whether the animal was spotted in Heywood or not, it definitely got people talking. The mystery continues...

What do you think? Have your say in our comments below.

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