Raccoon Scales Boston Building

BOSTON — A raccoon tried climbing a building in Chinatown on Tuesday, prompting a man to grab a makeshift trampoline to catch the critter in case it lost its footing. A passerby happened to snap a photo on her lunch break and alert the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

"They assured me that raccoons are great climbers and that he will be OK. The guy with the trampoline has left, so I think all well," she posted shortly after taking the shot.

A few hours later she said the raccoon appeared to be resting comfortably on a fire escape.

Turns out, it's not unheard of to have raccoons walking Boston streets.

The Animal Rescue League of Boston posts about encounters with city raccoons about once a year.

"This is not unusual at all," said Mike DeFina of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. "Raccoons are funny creatures and sometimes have a habit of getting themselves into precarious situations."

DeFina said the ARL was called to help out a year or two ago when a raccoon was in a tree with a plastic jar stuck on its head. They were able to remove the jar and the raccoon never wavered, he said.

As for scaling buildings?

"They are indeed very skilled climbers. For wildlife like raccoons, we are typically in an advisory position and will work with local authorities on how to rescue the animal safely, and if needed will assist," said DeFina.

Raccoons can weigh anywhere from 12 to 36 pounds, with some exceptionally large individuals reaching 50 pounds, according to the state. Raccoons are known for their dexterity; they are capable of turning doorknobs and opening trash cans as well as climbing buildings.

Last June, after a small raccoon scaled a building in St. Paul, Minnesota, it became a meme:

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Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).