Washington, Feb. 26 : A raccoon has been captured on the grounds of the White House after weeks of stealthy avoidance.

The Washington Post quoted National Park Service, officials as saying that keeping with the interests of national security and animal civil rights, President Obama's staff released few details of what was described as a "live capture," in which the raccoon was caught and whisked away to an "undisclosed location."

Deputy White House Press Secretary Bill Burton said it was "unclear" when the capture took place.

He did say that efforts to lure the animal into a cage using apples, cat food and peanut butter failed. Instead, the White House shifted to salmon for bait. It worked.

Burton could not identify whether the captured raccoon was the large one that had been spotted on the grounds recently, or one of the several medium-sized ones also roaming about. He did say the raccoon was not harmed, and was released alive.

The Washington Post broke the news of the raccoon hunt earlier this month. Days later, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said no progress had been made. (ANI)