Raccoon leaps from two-story-tall tree during rescue attempt

PYATIGORSK, Russia, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- A daring raccoon tossed itself down nearly two stories as emergency crews in Russia attempted to rescue it from a tree.

Schoolchildren watched as fire crews sent ladders up the tree to rescue the raccoon, which had become trapped between two frail branches atop the towering tree, as seen in video shared by Ruptly.

Rescue crews approached the top of the tree hoping to swaddle the raccoon in a fire jacket, but the frightened animal only climbed higher up the tree before leaping down as the children screamed in shock.

The raccoon struggled back onto its feet after landing on the concrete floor with a thud, as rescuers finally managed to contain it in the jacket.

It was eventually transferred into a cage where it appeared to be in good shape. It will be cared for by volunteers until it is re-homed, according to RT.