A raccoon climbing a skyscraper in Minnesota is a media sensation

Remember back in 2016 when “Steve from Virginia” captivated the media by scaling Trump Tower using suction cups? Forget about that — there’s a raccoon scaling a skyscraper in St. Paul, Minn., Tuesday afternoon, and there’s even a hashtag: #mprraccoon.

Last we checked, the raccoon had reached the 22nd floor.

A raccoon is scaling a skyscraper in downtown St. Paul. Excuse me while I anxiously await updates. #mprraccoon https://t.co/atYlG3Xtvu

— Emilie Eaton (@emilieeaton) June 12, 2018

Folks, this is the big story in #Minnesota right now — a raccoon is crawling up a building. Twin Cities Twitter is going cray-cray over this! #SuperRaccoon #MPRraccoon https://t.co/lQu7cu8AQ4

— Eric Aasen (@aasen) June 12, 2018

I don't know if I can watch this much longer. The #mprraccoon is scaling the UBS Tower. Now 12 stories up. pic.twitter.com/MaP35MLo9j

— Tim Nelson (@timnelson_mpr) June 12, 2018

My picture from the 13th floor around noon. Hope he makes it down OK! #mprraccoon pic.twitter.com/gfVWysn9iO

— Ben (@Johnson88Ben) June 12, 2018

this is the only news I'm following today #mprraccoon https://t.co/YH3Y27c84O

— Meg Dalton (@megdalts) June 12, 2018

I mean if you want to do your Friday afternoon news dump early and you're in Minnesota – and also if you're not in Minnesota – now is the time. #mprraccoon

— Regina Zilbermints (@RZilbermints) June 12, 2018

LIVE: We've got a live video look at #mprraccoon, currently taking a break from climbing up a downtown St. Paul skyscraper after reaching the 22nd floor. | https://t.co/T1D1VpiQih pic.twitter.com/2KA7ZyT9Qy

— WCCO – CBS Minnesota (@WCCO) June 12, 2018

Me: Hey, I need a refill on my anxiety meds.

Doc: I just filled that, what’s going on?

Me: There’s a raccoon and he’s climbing a building and no one can save him and he hasn’t eaten in a while and I am very concerned.#MPRraccoon https://t.co/1JsVAotN4T

— Alex (@alleycat2007) June 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/MetricButtload/status/1006693121877409792

What if we put a mattress on the sidewalk? You know…just in case he can’t hang on?!? #MPRraccoon https://t.co/F3YcMdclju

— Cathy Wurzer (@CathyWurzer) June 12, 2018

If we stand on each others shoulders we can get to the 2nd floor at least. That chair might help us make it to the 3rd floor. We’ve got this. #mprraccoon https://t.co/9QnAj43Qdg

— Viktor Viking (@ViktorTheViking) June 12, 2018

Hang in there #mprraccoon! We believe in you! https://t.co/NIOdvPHsbb

— Caroline McCarthy (@caro) June 12, 2018

One misguided raccoon has brought the people of the Twin Cities together and it is a beautiful thing. #MPRraccoon

— M.A. Rosko (@MaryAliceRosko) June 12, 2018

2018, you have taken so much from us. Can the #mprraccoon just please make it through this okay?

…and then let me adopt it and name it Rocket?

— Richard Jeter (@MilesToGo13) June 12, 2018

Trying out for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 #mprraccoon pic.twitter.com/95Kfj6RHhe

— PC (Prince Chrishan) (@PrinceChrishan) June 12, 2018

Made the mistake of clicking to see why #mprraccoon was trending. There goes any productivity until this is resolved… ?

— Amy B Wang (@amybwang) June 12, 2018

RACCOON UPDATE #mprraccoon https://t.co/VBX1pZPUGG

— janashortal (@janashortal) June 12, 2018

RACCOON UPDATE: City spokesman for animal control: “We’ve been in touch with wildlife organizations. … We’re hoping it gets to the top so we can set a trap for it there.”
Animal control officer was unclear whether the raccoon would be physically able to come down on its own

— Tad Vezner (@SPnoir) June 12, 2018

Forever after people of St Paul will ask, “Where were you when the #mprraccoon happened?” https://t.co/9vGtDAD4rH

— Sharon Stiteler (@birdchick) June 12, 2018

Some handy raccoon facts:

Raccoons can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees, which allows them to basically run back down a tree they've climbed up. Unclear how well that will work on a 20-story office building. #mprraccoon Pic via @timnelson_mpr, story by @Jee_vuh: https://t.co/ALFkFsmWoO pic.twitter.com/JrtHAAkBhH

— Jason Bittel (@bittelmethis) June 12, 2018

Update: Mary Lucia has talked to Capt. Steve at the @StPaulFireDept, who is investigating possible solutions to the #mprraccoon situation. See Looch's video: https://t.co/z8yQtgiNcm pic.twitter.com/M6Fp6tROws

— The Current (@TheCurrent) June 12, 2018

Well, @TheStPaulRacco1 we're hoping building management has access to rooftop and can set a live trap for you. We bet water and tasty canned cat food sound good right now. Keep going, you're so close to safety! #upandover
@timnelson_mpr #mprraccoon @MPRnews

— WRC of Minnesota (@WRCMN) June 12, 2018

CAN SOME WINDOW WASHERS PLEASE GO RESCUE #MPRraccoon. I’m going to cry

— Bethany Watson?️‍? (@RadioBethany) June 12, 2018

Idea: leave the #mprraccoon alone and don't scare it so it doesn't fall to its death?

— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) June 12, 2018

We’re afraid of reporters scaring the raccoon when it’s finally rescued. You know it’s not doing this for the publicity.

Related:

Trump Tower climber dragged safely into building by police, in custody; Hot takes begin https://t.co/xj5PAfm9Oq

— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) August 10, 2016

A raccoon climbing a skyscraper in Minnesota is a media sensation

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