The escaped raccoon dogs cleverly avoided capture
As a result of digging an escape route under their enclosure, the two runaways fled with freedom. A dog walker saw the escaped raccoon dogs first as they raced across his path, scaring him and his dog. He called the local police.
In no time the police sprang into action. They put out a warning to the villagers that the raccoons were potentially dangerous. As well they could be very smelly. (Raccoon dogs are known for being on the nose!)
Owing to being beloved pets, the owner wanted them back. Immediately he scoured the village parks and surrounding countryside for his elusive escapees.
Meanwhile just outside the village, a farmer noticed his pony Peaches was agitated and frightened. He went to investigate. He saw the escaped raccoon dogs nearby. They looked menacing. As a defense the farmer grabbed the nearest lump of wood to try and tried shoo them away.
The raccoon dogs hissed and screamed at him. As a result, this scared and terrified his pet pygmy goat who was nearby looking on interest.
Days later the escaped raccoon dogs were still on the loose.
Unfortunately the police and owner found not a trace of them. However, there were a few up turned garbage bins which was thought to indicate their nightly activities.
In view of the situation, the local villagers were anxious. Rumor had spread that the escaped raccoon dogs might attack them and their pets. The usual quiet village was in lock-down with their pets.
People were too nervous to go outside in case they had an encounter with the two escaped raccoon dogs.
The owner reassured them the animals were not dangerous and that he was spending every hour day and night trying to find them.
A Facebook page was set up to rally people to post sightings of the animals. However, as days went on, the escaped raccoon dogs where nowhere to be seen.
Traps were set using sardine oil and the raccoon dog’s favorite treats. It was hoped this may attract them from a hiding place during the night. Drones were launched but there were no sightings.
What is a raccoon dog?
Foxes are its closest cousin, and it is a similar size. It unrelated to American raccoons. The raccoon dog is part of the Canidae family of East Asia.
Like foxes, they do not bark, instead they growl, followed by a long-drawn, melancholy whine.
The raccoon dog climbs trees and generally is nocturnal, although it will search for food in the daylight hours if hungry.
Originating in eastern Siberia, northern China, North Vietnam, Korea, and Japan, they are known as tanuki in these countries.
Now widespread in western and northern Europe, the raccoon dog is found in Finland, France, and Austria.
The raccoon dog fur is used in clothing and is often called “murmansky” or “tanuki” fur.
It is sold in the USA as “Asiatic raccoon”, and in Northern Europe as “Finn raccoon”. The silkiness of the fur is highly sought after, and the small dog soft pelts can attract high prices. Pelts are mainly used as fur trimmings only as there is a tendency for the fur to mat.
In the UK, people can keep raccoon dogs as pets but it’s not advisable by the RSPCA.
It is illegal to breed or sell them. As an exotic species they threaten the UK’s native wildlife. Being small animals, they are not dangerous although they can be aggressive and are known to bite and scratch.
Finally, after four days of searching far and wide the two raccoon dogs were cornered and captured.
Found by police in the local area, the raccoon dogs were returned to a tired but happy and relieved owner.
On hearing news of the capture of the escapees, the relieved and elated residents of the English village could now resume their life of quiet normality.