Unusual: Raccoons are normally more at home in the wilds of North America... not HampshireThis racoon caused a stir when it turned up in a British garden - 4000 miles miles away from its native North America.
Shocked father of two Tony Large snapped this picture when he spotted the animal outside his home in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire.
The 57-year-old retired computer systems specialist said: 'I've seen the occasional squirrel or fox in my garden but I had to do a double take when I spotted the raccoon.
'I couldn't work out what it was at first so I grabbed my camera and sprinted outside.
'It wasn't until I spotted it's trademark black ringed eyes that I began to think it was a raccoon. I have no idea what it was doing in my garden.
'I was following it around. It was so tame as it meandered around, it was almost cat-like.
'It then climbed on the fence and went next door. We phoned the neighbours to warn them but I don't think they took us seriously.'
Shocked: Tony Large. Wildlife experts have said it is incredibly rare to see the foreign animal roaming wild in this countryTony's wife, Kate, 50, added: 'I've never seen anything like it before.
'I've only ever seen raccoons on television. It's the first time I've come face to face with a real one - it's not what you expect to find in your own garden.'
Wildlife experts have said it is incredibly rare to see the foreign animal roaming wild in this country but they suspect it had been kept as a pet.
Jo Barr, from the RSPCA, said: 'It's likely the raccoon has come from a private collection, as you don't need a licence to keep one.
'They are not dangerous but we do hear of stories where the raccoon has broken into chicken coops to get food.
Raccoons are easily identified by its black mask like colouring around its eyes. It is also endowed with unusually long toes, which are often mistaken as fingersRaccoons are easily identified by its black mask like colouring around its eyes. It is also endowed with unusually long toes, which are often mistaken as fingers.
They originated in North America and were later introduced to other countries such as Japan.
The animal is mainly found in forests, marshes, prairies, but they also known to venture in to cities and make homes in the attics of houses.
The raccoon's main predators are the fox and dog. It is also killed by humans and its fur is used for clothing including coats and hats.
source :dailymail
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