Mystery Animal in Wyoming High Desert: Any Ideas?

Without a photo or a more detailed description, it's difficult to identify the animal you're referring to. However, based on your location and the fact that you mentioned trapping, it's possible that the animal you're referring to is a ground squirrel or a prairie dog. Both are common in Wyoming's high desert and can be trapped for pest control or hunting purposes. If you could provide more information or a photo, I may be able to give you a more accurate identification. SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

Looks like a black bear to me.

An Australian possum escaped from the zoo!

@Matt that was my first thought till I realized it was only about a foot tall.

Wow I can’t even guess what it is either.. rounded ears and head doesn’t fit with that kind of fur and body.. I don’t know what a pack rat is?

@Brian kinda looks bigger than just one foot tall to me too

My money is on it being a Rock Chuck…

I don’t have a perspective of how big of an embankment that is behind it, but those ears and forehead are screaming bear to me. I’d guess a young 50-60 lbs rubbed out bear.

I just did a quick google search for "young black bears" and between the ear shape, color, and even the eye shape/kinda head shape it looks a lot like it! However, I am not a biologist 😅

Looks like a black bear with mange to me