THEY are more usually spotted in North America, so you can imagine the surprise of one North-East householder when he came across this unusual sight in his back garden.

Involved in a dispute with a neighbourhood cat, this raccoon was discovered on a fence in Chopwell, Gateshead.

Reader Ralph Lowes sent in this picture.

“I was alerted this evening by a neighbour and wasn't quite sure what to make of it, so went to have a look, and sure enough it looks like a raccoon,” he said. “Although how on earth it came to be in our area I have no idea.

“It was in a stand-off with the neighbour's cat, but eventually moved along fence, so I took some photos in case nobody believed me!”

It eventually dropped down into Mr Lowes’ garden, so he decided to contact the police for advice.

“But they don't deal with missing pets anymore, so I contacted the RSPCA, who advised Petsearch, but Petsearch don't have a category for missing raccoons - unsurprisingly!” he said.

Mr Lowes is hoping a little publicity might lead to the raccoon being reunited with its rightful owners.

“Because the raccoon appeared frightened, we've left out a pet carrier for shelter, and some cat food and water. Hopefully we can find its owner, or we'll have to find some other solution,” he said. “Still slightly bemused by the whole thing-not something you expect to find in your garden!”