Runaway anteater back home after outing

RAINIER, Ore. — An anteater named Sweetpea is back home with its owner after an adventure in Rainier.

The 20-pound South American anteater was spotted by a driver Sunday alongside a road, slurping up ants. Abram Dreyer took it home and started calling veterinarians and the Humane Society to find the owner.

The Daily News of Longview reported the anteater was a hit Monday with neighbors who petted it and admired its claws.

A tip finally led to the owner. Kellie Caron is licensed to breed exotic animals. She picked up her wandering anteater. This fall, Sweetpea is headed for a zoo in Texas.

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