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YOU could have 20/20 vision if you are able to spot the mountain lion ready to pounce on the elk in under 30 seconds.

The big cat is well-disguised in the rocky undergrowth of this puzzling picture captured at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico.

There is more than meets the eye in this wildlife scene - are you able to find the lion?
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There is more than meets the eye in this wildlife scene - are you able to find the lion?Credit: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge

The US Fish and Wildlife Service shared the baffling photograph, which shows an elk surrounded by trees and rock formations.

While the elk is easy to spot, the prowling mountain lion is far more difficult.

A wildlife cam snapped the image in late 2019 and the park shared it on Facebook last year - challenging followers to find the hidden animal.

However, the image quickly began to stump online users who were unable to spot the camouflaged lion.

read more on optical illusions

Park volunteer Dale Erz only found the dangerous animal after noticing the predator in a later photo.

So he went back to check the earlier snap and discovered the big cat hiding out in the rocks.

Have you managed to find the sneaky kitty?

If you need a clue, follow the park's advice: "Start looking at the base of the tree that is at the far right of the picture.

"Move a little left and down. The puma is hidden in the grass."

If you're really stumped, scroll down for the answer.

If you fancy a further proving your vision skills, this cartoon challenges you to spot the hidden cat in less than 22 seconds.

Or only the eagle-eyed can spot the naughty dog in this confusing bedroom scene in only 15 seconds.

Meanwhile, this mind-bending optical illusion can reveal some of your personality traits that you'd rather keep hidden.

It comes as another optical illusion seeks to reveal whether you're kind or secretive.

Spotted! The lion was lurking in the background
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Spotted! The lion was lurking in the backgroundCredit: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
A clearer view of the mountain lion in another cam snap
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A clearer view of the mountain lion in another cam snapCredit: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
What happened between the two animals remains a mystery
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What happened between the two animals remains a mysteryCredit: Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge
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