S. American critter found sleeping on Ill. porch

Updated: Saturday, 05 Jun 2010, 8:40 AM EDT
Published : Saturday, 05 Jun 2010, 9:29 AM EDT

CHICAGO (CBS) - A strange animal's been roaming around Chicago, but experts finally think they know what it is. This little guy's been identified as a Kinkajou.

It's probably someone's pet that got loose.

They're native to Central and South America. The animal was found curled up on a porch. That’s typical of Kinkajous, which like to sleep during the day but are active at night.

If not claimed, it'll go to an animal sanctuary.

http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/strange/strange-animal-roaming

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(AP) – 5 June 2010

CHICAGO — A small, furry, long-tailed critter found napping on a Chicago porch is apparently more than 2,000 miles away from where it belongs. Animal control experts said an exotic kinkajou was found sleeping Thursday in the city's Pilsen neighborhood. Nobody knew what it was until Lincoln Park Zoo experts identified it.

The National Geographic Web site said kinkajous are related to raccoons. They're typically found not on Chicago porches but in the trees of tropical forests in Central and South America.

Animal control experts suspect it was an escaped pet.

Officials are waiting for someone to claim the animal, which isn't illegal to own in Illinois. If nobody does, it likely will end up in an exotic animal sanctuary.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hpUeoWucMbk2xR_VKNy9Iivu8TcQD9G53U7O0