A surprising discovery in a Cornish garden has caused a stir after a raccoon was filmed roaming freely, prompting an official alert from animal welfare authorities.
The Sighting and Capture
The unusual incident occurred in the village of Gwennap, Cornwall, where the non-native animal was spotted. RSPCA Cornwall was quickly alerted to the presence of the loose raccoon.
Initial checks with local zoos confirmed that all their raccoons were safely accounted for, leading to the strong suspicion that this particular animal was a pet that had escaped from a private owner.
The raccoon's freedom was short-lived. On Thursday evening, the animal was successfully located and safely contained within a nearby greenhouse, bringing the unexpected situation to a close.
A Pattern of Escapes
This event marks the second exotic animal escape reported in Cornwall during November. It follows the curious case of a flamingo named Frankie.
Frankie, a four-month-old flamingo, had escaped from Paradise Park in St Ives on 2 November. In a remarkable turn of events, the young bird was later identified in Tréflez, Brittany, France.
Due to the considerable distance and logistical complications, keepers made the difficult decision that her return was logistically unfeasible.
Implications and Public Safety
The appearance of a raccoon, an animal not indigenous to the British countryside, raises significant questions about the keeping of exotic pets. Authorities continue to monitor such situations closely to ensure public safety and animal welfare.
Residents are advised to report any sightings of unusual animals to the RSPCA immediately and to maintain a safe distance.
