The exact location of the animal is unknown as it is believed to have travelled many miles as it wanders the fields and rural areas of Britain. Although the public is being warned to stay away from the animal, they are encouraged to report any sightings to officials.
The “unpredictable” animal is thought to have been missing from a home in the Colebren area in Powys for several weeks but Natural Resources Wales only announced its escape on Monday.
It was spotted on January 21 and may have travelled up to eight miles through the Welsh countryside.
Information issued by NRW said: ‘Raccoon dogs will naturally range further in the wild and so could be seen more than eight miles away.
“They are small, nocturnal fox-sized animals, originally from East Asia that look like raccoons.
“Their diet includes fruit, insects, rodents, frogs, birds and eggs so they can have a negative impact on native wildlife.
“If you think you might have spotted one (dead or alive), or know where it might have escaped from please report this as soon as possible.
“As with any wild animal, their behaviour may be unpredictable and are not to be approached.”
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According to the RSPCA, the dog – also known as a “tanuki” – is “not suited to life as a pet in a domestic environment”.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Raccoon dogs are not domesticated pets.
“They need a great deal of space and their needs simply cannot be met in a typical household.
“They’re also extremely smelly, as they use scent to communicate with one another.”
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The currently lost animal is not the first of its kind in the UK.
In 2020, a raccoon dog was captured and put down in Camarthenshire.
Nottinghamshire also saw two of the animals run riot in 2019, with the creatures attacking other wildlife and pets in the region.
Many owners are alleged to have bought the animals online and have later ditched the unwanted “pets” as they become unmanageable.
If anyone does spot the raccoon dog, they are asked to contact NRW immediately on 0300 065 3000.