A NON-native creature that has been spotted many times in South Lakeland has turned up on a chicken shed on a farmyard in Eskdale.

The RSPCA rescued the coati - a member of the racoon family that has a characteristic long - on Tuesday.

The animal is native to South, Central and parts of North America and the species has been widely kept in zoos, animal menageries and private collections across the UK.

Animal collection officer David Hatton said: "This animal was in a shed, on a farm. Miles from anywhere in perfect physical condition. It's possible that it's an escapee but we've been in touch with all the animal collectors we're aware of in the area, and no-one has come forward reporting it missing. It seems likely it got there on its own."

It took the RSPCA 20 minutes to collect the male animal - which is about the size of a large domestic cat - despite it being in an enclosed space.

Collector Nick Green said: "It was a bit of a handful. Coatis have got a reputation for being pretty fierce when the need arises so there was no way we were going to get our hands too close to it."

A grasper' had to be used to catch the animal safely.

The animal, nicknamed Cyril, has been taken in on a short-term basis by Trotters Animal Park in Cockermouth.