What began as a report of an injured animal ended with a baby raccoon safely returned to a suitable habitat in Westfield.

The Westfield Police Department says officers were dispatched Thursday evening to Windsor Avenue after receiving reports of a raccoon in distress.

When officers arrived, they located the animal and determined it was not injured, but rather a healthy baby raccoon that had likely wandered away from its natural environment.

Police say Sgt. Forcenito relocated the raccoon to a wooded section of Tamaques Park, where it would be safer and better suited to survive.

Officers confirmed the baby raccoon was released without incident.

Police are reminding residents to contact local authorities or animal control if they encounter wildlife that appears injured, distressed or in an unsafe location.