Since NASA's Curiosity rover landed on Mars on August 6 of last year, a few "animals" may have joined the explorer along the way.

According to FOX News, a photo taken September 28 last year was singled out for depicting a shape that resembles a rodent.

"Note its lighter color upper and lower eyelids, its nose and cheek areas, its ear, its front leg and stomach," wrote Scott Waring on fan site UFO Sightings Daily.

"Looks similar to a squirrel camouflaged in the stones and sand by its colors."

See if you can spot the rat here: https://www.nasa.gov/images/content/694114main_Watkins-2-pia16204_full.jpg

Most would chalk the grainy evidence to pareidolia, the psychological phenomenon for our habit of picking out faces from inanimate objects.

The most famous Mars-related case is "human face" on the planet's surface which has since been debunked as a simple mountain.

In addition to the claim of the rat inhabitant, a lizard was also spotted in a photo released in March, reports Metro News.

The "lizard," spotted by a Mars fan in Japan, has added to the buzz of extraterrestrial life as of late.

"With water existing on Mars in small amounts, it's possible to find [lizards] wandering around," added Waring.

Check out the lizard photo here: https://www.nasa.gov/images/content/694114main_Watkins-2-pia16204_full.jpg

The photos have since sparked comments and controversy, with some calling the photos hoaxes with digital imaging.

Interestingly enough, the Curiosity rover was sent to Mars to assess the potential for microbial life in its harsh environment.