Two raccoons are running wild in the Somerset countryside

Police are hunting for two raccoons who are on the loose in the Somerset countryside after escaping from a zoo.

Keepers say two of their newest additions – named Bowser and Wookie – either fled themselves or were released illegally from Tropiquaria in Somerset.

Zoo director Chris Moiser said the incident happened at the dead of night on Monday, August 28.

These raccoons at Tropiquaria in Somerset are nonplussed after two of their colleagues escaped on Monday night, August 28

Zoo director Chris Moiser said the animals escaped from their enclosure, pictured, possibly by escaping through a hole in the fence

Zoo director Chris Moiser said the animals escaped from their enclosure, pictured, possibly by escaping through a hole in the fence

Mr Moiser said the pair, Bowser and Wookie, were new additions, telling MailOnline: 'They have only recently arrived here and they are last year's babies'

Mr Moiser said the pair, Bowser and Wookie, were new additions, telling MailOnline: ‘They have only recently arrived here and they are last year’s babies’

Mr Moiser said the pair, Bowser and Wookie, were new additions, telling MailOnline: ‘They have only recently arrived here and they are last year’s babies.

‘But although the chances of an accidental death are obviously present, these two should survive – they are little toughies.’

Mr Moiser said the local terrain made searching the animals difficult. 

He said: ‘Given the type of terrain here a search is not very productive unless we have a formal sighting.

‘This area is fairly sparsely populated and there are section of woodland that are really quiet and people rarely walk through. 

‘But I suspect these animals will head towards human habitation, which is the source of food. If they go into a house it is just a question of shutting the door.

The animals are described as wild, but not dangerous - although the zoo have warned they will bite to defend themselves if grabbed. Pictured are the ones remaining in the zoo

The animals are described as wild, but not dangerous – although the zoo have warned they will bite to defend themselves if grabbed. Pictured are the ones remaining in the zoo

Mr Moiser advises anyone who sees them to simply observe them, and if possible to lock them in an outbuilding

Mr Moiser advises anyone who sees them to simply observe them, and if possible to lock them in an outbuilding

‘One hope is with the badger cull they will walk into the live traps – where badgers are kept alive before being humanely killed – and we can retrieve them from there.’ 

One of the animals was spotted at 2am on Wednesday within two miles of the park, reported Somerset Live, but the animal was not caught.  

The animals are described as wild, but not dangerous – although the zoo have warned they will bite to defend themselves if grabbed.

Mr Moiser advises anyone who sees them to simply observe them, and if possible to lock them in an outbuilding.

Anyone with information, or who sees the animals, is advised to call Tropiquaria on 07751 363198, or Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5217197290. 

Anyone with information, or who sees the animals, is advised to call Tropiquaria on 07751 363198, or Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5217197290

Anyone with information, or who sees the animals, is advised to call Tropiquaria on 07751 363198, or Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting reference 5217197290

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