A furry masked critter that scaled a skyscraper in St. Paul, Minnesota, has become a social media sensation overnight.
The raccoon was spotted climbing the ledges along the UBS Financial Services building downtown before it stopped to rest on a ledge, according to ABC News affiliate KSTP in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
**Record scratch**
— Ohidur Choudhury (@ochoudhury22) June 13, 2018
**Freeze frame**
"Yup, thats me. You're probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. Well, it all started when . . ."#mprraccoon pic.twitter.com/UI6oMtoNbg
As the raccoon ascended more than 20-stories, his tale began rising in popularity on Twitter with the hashtag #mprraccoon and one user created an account @TheStPaulRacco1.
Mayor Melvin Carter said on Twitter that city officials were working with building owners to find a way to help the raccoon when he stopped and appeared stuck at one point.
Even wild animals know @cityofsaintpaul is a great place to reach for higher heights. We’re working with staff & building owner to find a way to help #MPRraccoon without further endangering it or staff by scaring or making it feel threatened.
— Mayor Melvin Carter (@MayorCarter_) June 12, 2018
According to KSTP, the city feared other capture methods could have startled the raccoon and caused a fall.
But, the daring masked climber safely made it to the roof by the middle of the night.
The #mprraccoon just made it to the roof! Video courtesy @DPet_KARE11News pic.twitter.com/Wb5xPsANZh
— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 13, 2018
Fans of the fearless furry critter celebrated on social media, praising its persistence.
HE FREAKING DID IT!!!!! #mprraccoon https://t.co/ypolIYhFwc
— Ashrene Mohammed (@0bestintheworld) June 13, 2018
Woke up, checked on the #mprraccoon to find out HE MADE IT TO THE ROOF!!! ???????????? YESSSS!!! Soooooo happy, we can resume life now, and keep in mind to help and love animals every day, not just when they are scaling a huge building. #loveanimalseveryday pic.twitter.com/eoVIljZ6Fl
— Laura Lynn (@PsychicMediumLL) June 13, 2018
Other fans have created parody videos, set to the "Mission Impossible" theme music, and posted them to Twitter.
What you've all been waiting for... #MissionImpossible #MPRraccoon ?? @kare11 @ElleryTV @DPet_KARE11News @timnelson_mpr pic.twitter.com/SZKNem45yf
— Alicia Lewis (@alicialewisKARE) June 13, 2018
Officials successfully and safely captured the raccoon Wednesday morning with the help of traps and soft cat food.
After a delicious meal of soft cat food, #mprraccoon has been caught and will be picked up by Wildlife Management. Goodbye friend! pic.twitter.com/twcBPpjOQk
— UBS Plaza (@ubs_plaza) June 13, 2018
RACCOON UPDATE: it has been trapped, its eating, still on top of tower, will be released "somewhere safe" by private Brooklyn Park contractor Wildlife Management Services
— Tad Vezner (@SPnoir) June 13, 2018
