AN overweight raccoon has been rescued and brought to safety after being spotted straying in Cornwall.

The raccoon was captured in Gwennap thanks to kind members of the public before being rescued by RSPCA officer Abi Kemp.

The raccoon - who at 11.2kg weighs three times what he weight - is now getting the care he needs at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre before heading off to a permanent home.

Local resident Lucy Cox described how she helped the raccoon after spotting him through a window. She said: “I saw the raccoon on the road and went out to make it safe, eventually managing to corral it in a neighbour's greenhouse.

“In the meantime, another neighbour had seen the raccoon in her garden and taken photographs and film, which she put out on the local community group, appealing for help as she was concerned for the animal.”

The RSPCA was called for assistance. Abi Kemp has rescued all sorts of animals across Devon and Cornwall, but never a raccoon.

“It was a bit of a surprise, and certainly a first,” she said. “I find myself helping all kinds of animals, some of whom are sadly in awful conditions due to cruelty, neglect and abandonment. It’s always an honour to help every animal to safety, but it’s extra-special when it’s slightly unusual like this rescue.”

Abi added: “We’re so grateful for everyone who gave him a helping hand. That includes St Clement Vets in Truro, whose head nurse dropped everything and joined me, and allowed me to hold the raccoon there overnight. It was great teamwork, and it means everything to be able to help him to safety.”

Raccoons are native to southern Canada, most of the USA, Central America and northern parts of South America.

“Raccoons are wild non-domesticated animals and providing for their welfare needs in a typical household environment is difficult, which is why we do not recommend them as pets,” said Abi. “Raccoons kept in captivity need lots of space within a secure enclosure, and need to be provided with furnishings and enrichment to allow them to carry out their natural behaviour, such as climbing.”

The RSPCA is concerned that the animals continue to be kept as pets in England and Wales. Raccoons are on the UK list of invasive alien species, due to the risk they pose to native wildlife. There are strict restrictions on keeping them and they can no longer be legally bred or sold. Anyone who owned a raccoon before regulations were introduced in August 2016 is allowed to keep the animal for the rest of its natural life, but must keep them in a secure enclosure.

Abi added: “We’re never quite sure who’ll need our help next, so the RSPCA has just launched an urgent appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals, in the hope of raising vital funds to keep our frontline teams rescuing animals like this raccoon, through the cold winter months.”