Patagonian mara

It might sound like something out of a strange fairy tale, but the Patagonian mara is a long-legged rodent that looks a bit like a deer! Each of their toes is equipped with strong claws for digging, and they can either hop or run like a rabbit, or bounce on all fours like a deer.

Maras mate for life and move around in pairs, with the male fiercely defending his female. Maras also share large burrows where they rear their young communally with other mated pairs. As young will often attempt to steal milk from the nearest available adult, females learn to identify their own young by size, sound and scent.