The forest creature was caught in a live trap on top of the UBS Plaza in St Paul early on Wednesday, said Chelsey DeMers, assistant general manager of the company Wildlife Management Services.

She said the animal is in good condition and is eating.

A company technician is expected to set the animal free at a site yet to be determined.

DeMers said the company would need permission to release it on public property, but could also set it free on private property north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul.

The raccoon's adventures caused a stir on social media as it scaled the tower on Tuesday, with many Twitter users voicing concern for its safety or joking about the drama as its climb was livestreamed by several broadcasters. The animal made it to the roof early on Wednesday, where the baited traps were waiting.

Nearby Minnesota Public Radio, which broke the story and closely followed the raccoon's climb from its headquarters less than a block away, branded the animal (hash)mprraccoon.

Australian Associated Press