A raccoon that escaped from a shipping container that had recently arrived at the Hamilton Commercial Docks was safely trapped yesterday by Department of Environment and Natural Resources staff.

The animal was discovered when the container arrived at Addendum Lane in Pembroke.

Animal wardens and the government veterinarian responded, locating the animal beneath a dumpster.

Raccoons, which present an environmental hazard to Bermuda, have arrived through shipping containers a number of times.

They are not native to the island and thus pose “a serious biosecurity concern” as carriers of “a range of diseases and parasites that pose a risk to people, pets, livestock and wildlife,” the department said.

“These include serious zoonotic threats such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, as well as other infectious diseases and parasites that are not present in Bermuda.”

The department said the animal would be humanely put down.

• Importers, shipping agents and the public are advised to remain vigilant when opening containers, and report unusual animal sightings to the DENR on 236-4201