THE owner of an adorable raccoon is being urged to come forward after the animal was discovered in Libberton.

The Scottish SPCA is currently caring for a raccoon at its rescue and rehoming centre in Lanarkshire after being alerted to the creature by a member of the public on November 16.

It was first spotted in the area on CCTV months ago, but has only just been caught.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We are appealing for information after one of our animal rescue officers was called out to a raccoon in the Libberton area.

“It is illegal to release a non-indigenous species into the wild, so we believe it may have been a pet that has escaped.

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“If we are unable to identify the raccoon’s owner we will find a specialist who will be able to provide the expert care that raccoons require.”

Senior Animal Rescue Officer Stephanie Kirk added: “A week ago, a local farmer called a pest control specialist after strange tracks were found on the property and several chickens were killed.

“The pest control specialist set a fox trap and contained the raccoon before calling us to collect it.

“The raccoon is in good condition but we’re not sure where it came from. We’re hoping the public will be able to help us find out how this non-native animal came to be in Scotland.”

Anyone with any information about a raccoon in the Lanarkshire area is urged to call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.