TORONTO

Toronto’s escaped capybaras are in rodent heaven at High Park.

It turns out the elusive escapees from the High Park Zoo could live well all summer if city workers are unable to catch them.

“High Park provides a large desirable habitat for them and we are confident that they will be able to find food and shelter through the summer,” parks department spokesman Megan Price said Sunday.

The guinea pig-like creatures, which are aquatic by nature, have access to water in High Park, which also provides them with an abundance of greens to munch on.

The pair have been on the lam from the zoo since last Monday.

“As of Sunday, staff have been unsuccessful in luring them back to their pen,” Price said. “All staff working at the park have been briefed on what the capybara look like, where they are likely to be hiding, and what to do if they see them.

“While, for the most part, staff have returned to regular duties, they have been instructed to keep an eye out as part of their daily work. In addition, we have two staff who are dedicated to searching the park.”

Cages baited with corn have been put out in an attempt to entice the capybaras back into captivity.

The runaway critters, known as Bonnie and Clyde, have made national and international headlines since their escape.

Social media has also been abuzz with sightings.

On Friday, there was a sighting of two animal carcasses floating in the Rouge River in Scarborough, about 30 kilometres from the zoo.

Price said it is possible the pair left High Park as the animals, which are indigenous to Central and South America, can be highly mobile on land or in water.

“I had heard about the Rouge Valley carcasses. As with all credible sightings, we are investigating,” she said.

kconnor@postmedia.com