It’s 2013. You’d think that mankind would have classified and catalogued every animal by now. But for the first time in more than three decades, scientists discovered a new mammal in the Americas. Native to Ecuador and Colombia, the cute, fluffy olinguito — technical name: Bassaricyon neblina — officially became the smallest member of the raccoon family when the Smithsonian announced the discovery in August. Previously, scientists thought this animal was part of a sister species known as the olingo, but extensive research showed that the cuddly creatures were in fact their very own species.
The 11 Most Influential Animals of 2013
They pawed around the West Wing and comforted people after tragedy. Sometimes, like pandas, they made their biggest impact by not being there at all. Here’s an unranked look at four-legged and finned creatures that shaped our year.