Cop's Struggle To Free Trapped Racoon

This is the moment a greedy racoon with its head trapped in a jar has to rack one up to experience.

A patrol officer found the beast wandering around with the container stuck fast over its head close to a row of trash dumpsters in Anoka County, Minnesota on Wednesday, 1st March.

The officer - who was not named by the Oak Grove Police Department - was caught on CCTV cameras chasing the racoon as he tried to free it.

After chasing him around a vaping vending machine, he finally grabs the jar and swings the racoon around and around to loosen the grip.

Finally, he lets go of the jar and - reports local media - the racoon is set free.

Police said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: "The foot chase travelled a quarter mile in steps within 10 square feet as the culprit refused all verbal commands.

"Once the officer (unnamed) went hands-on and completed an impromptu roundabout dizzying the raccoon, the jar was safely removed.

"The raccoon did not report any injuries from the incident, and the officer did not display any external injuries though internally it may be too soon."

The video which was posted on the police department's Facebook page later that day, was received with joy by social media users.

Facebook user Diana Pixler said: "I appreciate all your efforts, Officer, in helping that little critter. Thank you, and God bless and keep you and all LEO safe."

User Jamie Heishman Squires joked: "Thank you officer. I sure his family and friends are thanking you also."

Then user Ginger Dawn Speed added: "Too funny. He wasn't gonna give up on the little guy!"