ONLINE animal antics which began in Rhyl have spread to other parts of the coast.
A peculiar Facebook phenomenon, which saw users create Rhyl Animal profiles to help promote businesses and initiatives in the town, has expanded across the region.
In the last month characters, created by local people who carefully guard their true identities, have been joined by Abergele Rat and Prestatyn Puddiecat.
In keeping with the ethos of the Rhyl Animals, the new characters have been bolstering online support for events including the recent Abergele Carnival.
A new twist in the tale has seen local businesses supporting the Rhyl Animals, with Rhyl-based company SimplyLogo designing a range of Who is Rhyl Rat and I Love Rhyl Squirrel T-shirt logos, and local community radio station Point FM weighing into the debate into who is behind the craze.
Rhyl Squirrel recently revealed himself to be Chris Leigh, a young football fan from the town, but residents are still trying to discover the people behind the other animals, who are determined to remain anonymous.
The mystery has led to customers asking local business owners, including the manager of Cotton Computers, if they are behind the online joke, to no avail.
Rhyl Rat said: “Will I reveal my true identity? Well no, so many people are trying so many ways to find out.
“I tagged myself in a Food Outlet a few weeks ago and someone came in and said Rhyl Rat is in here, they ordered food and I sneaked out quietly, classic comedy moment, but close to being caught.”