RSPCA officers have revealed their tactics to corner an elusive coati which defied its captors for over eight weeks while on the loose in Marlow.

The exotic South Amercian pet – known as Houdini - was spotted in a tree in a back garden in Marlow in February and consistently gave rescuers the slip - until last week.

And after nearly two months on the run since escaping from the McAlpine estate in Fawley Hill, the animal charity has returned him to his rightful owners.

An RSPCA officer caught Houdini last week by laying a humane trap - usually used for catching injured animals.

Collection officer Dennis Lovell said: “In early February we received a flurry of calls regarding a small bear like animal that was spotted in and around the Marlow area.

“It was eventually established it was actually a coatimundi that was on the loose after escaping from a home in the area.

“We soon discovered where he had escaped from and were in contact with the owners about getting him home safely.

“The coati seemed to be favouring three gardens by the river to visit for food so we laid a humane trap with pieces of fresh fruit at one of the properties.

“Thanks to the help of the nearby householders we were able to keep an eye on the trap and as soon as he was in there I was able to go down, collect him and return him to his owners.

“Considering he had been on the run for around two months he was in a very good condition and it was lovely to be able to reunite him with his owners.”

Numerous attempts to catch the creature with a net proved in vain, with the fugitive scarpering up trees to avoid capture.

Coatis, like other exotic pets, can be difficult to look after because their needs are so specialist and the RSPCA recommends that anyone considering getting one as a pet thoroughly researches the species and ensures they can meet all their welfare needs.

Exotic pets, as wild animals in captivity, have the same needs as they do in the wild, linked to a specialist environment, diet or behaviour.

The RSPCA operates on donations. To give, text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message).