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BOULDER, Colo. — The University of Colorado warned of a “rare” and “extremely dangerous” badger on the Boulder campus on Wednesday morning, but wildlife officials said the university has it wrong.

The facilities management sent out a photo of the wild animal as it descended some stairs. The university warned people not to approach the badger because they can be extremely dangerous.

But Colorado Parks and Wildlife came to the defense of the badger, saying they are not rare nor dangerous.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill said badgers are common to Colorado — especially around Estes Park — but they tend to avoid humans.

Churchill added badgers are not aggressive toward humans unless they are provoked or their young are in danger.

The University of Wisconsin, whose nickname is the Badgers, put out a lighthearted tweet, saying “Badgers are ferocious, can confirm.”

The university asked that anyone who sees the animal is asked to call 303-492-5522.