A new carnivorous mammal has been discovered in South America and it’s being described as a mix between a cat and a teddy bear!
Called olinguito, the mammal is the first carnivorous creature to be discovered in South America in 35 years! Scientists say it’s very difficult to discover new animals in this day and age. In fact, it seems this animals isn’t even a new discovery since the hunt for it began when zoologist Kristofer Helgen discovered some unidentified bones in a museum.
“It stopped me in my tracks,” he recalled. “The skins were a rich red colour and when I looked at the skulls I didn’t recognise the anatomy.” This isn’t new since many museums keep bones from decades ago of animals without having had time to properly investigate their origins. But with modern technology, identifying animals is much easier since scientists can extract DNA from the oldest bones.
The olinguito is found in the protected foresty areas between Central Colombia and Western Ecuador. This animal is from the same family if mammals as dogs, cats and bears. Though it’s carnivorous, it eats mostly fruits and comes out at night. They also give birth one baby at a time, like humans. It’s scientific name is Bassaricyon neblina.