Raccoon scales 20-story skyscraper, rises to social media stardom

A raccoon successfully climbed the UBS building in St. Paul, Minnesota.

June 13, 2018, 8:48 AM

A furry masked critter that scaled a skyscraper in St. Paul, Minnesota, has become a social media sensation overnight.

The raccoon was spotted climbing the ledges along the UBS Financial Services building downtown before it stopped to rest on a ledge, according to ABC News affiliate KSTP in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

As the raccoon ascended more than 20-stories, his tale began rising in popularity on Twitter with the hashtag #mprraccoon and one user created an account @TheStPaulRacco1.

PHOTO: A raccoon sits on the ledge of an office window in the UBS Tower in downtown St. Paul, Minn.,  June 12, 2018.
A raccoon sits on the ledge of an office window in the UBS Tower in downtown St. Paul, Minn., June 12, 2018.
Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP

Mayor Melvin Carter said on Twitter that city officials were working with building owners to find a way to help the raccoon when he stopped and appeared stuck at one point.

According to KSTP, the city feared other capture methods could have startled the raccoon and caused a fall.

PHOTO: A raccoon scurries up the side of the UBS Tower in St. Paul, Minn., June 12, 2018.
A raccoon scurries up the side of the UBS Tower in St. Paul, Minn., June 12, 2018.
Evan Frost/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

But, the daring masked climber safely made it to the roof by the middle of the night.

Fans of the fearless furry critter celebrated on social media, praising its persistence.

Other fans have created parody videos, set to the "Mission Impossible" theme music, and posted them to Twitter.

Officials successfully and safely captured the raccoon Wednesday morning with the help of traps and soft cat food.