Story By: Gheorghi Caraseni, Sub Editor:  Joseph Golder,  Agency: Newsflash

Newsflash/V MIRE ZHIVOTNYKH i PROSTO PRIKOLY

This is the moment a pet raccoon plummets from a high tree and lands hard on the tarmac as onlookers scream during a bungled rescue attempt.

The incident took place in the western Russian capital Moscow after the emergency services were informed about a raccoon stuck up a tree.

According to reports, a large crowd had gathered to watch the rescue attempt and many of them filmed it with their phones.

In the footage, a rescuer is seen being lifted to the raccoon’s lofty position on a crane platform.

After apparently taking too long to be within arm’s reach of the animal, it suddenly shoots higher up the tree as the crowd gasps.

During another attempt to grab the nervous raccoon, it loses its footing and plummets from the tree.

Onlookers scream as the animal lands hard on the ground far below.

According to local media, the raccoon was taken to a nearby vet who said the animal was lucky to be alive.

After examining it under anaesthetic, they concluded that it miraculously only suffered slight bruising, according to reports.

It is unclear who the raccoon’s owner is and what the authorities will do with it once it has fully recovered.

Reports said that domesticated raccoons are becoming increasingly popular in Russia as pets.

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