\n<\/p>\n
A search is under way for an “unpredictable” raccoon dog which is on the loose in north Wales.<\/p>\n
The animal was last spotted south-east of Llyn Tegid, Gwynedd on 29 January, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said.<\/p>\n
Raccoon dogs are considered to be invasive non-native species which can negatively affect native wildlife – it is therefore illegal to breed or sell them in the UK<\/a> and existing raccoon dogs must be kept securely.<\/p>\n People are being urged not to approach the animal and to report any sightings, “dead or alive”, to NRW.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Racoon dogs roam in the wild, so it is believed the animal could be spotted more than eight miles from Llyn Tegid.<\/p>\n NRW added they were small, nocturnal fox sized animals, originally from East Asia which ate fruit, insects, rodents, frogs, birds.<\/p>\n “As with any animal, their behaviour may be unpredictable and are not to be approached,” it said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n