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Escaped pet mistaken for a bear
coati
Members of the public reported sightings of a "small bear-like animal" in February.

Coatimundi returned home after two months on the run

A runaway exotic pet has been mistaken for a small bear, causing quite a stir among the residents of a small town in Buckinghamshire.

Sightings of a "small bear-like animal" were reported in and around the Marlow area during early February. It was eventually established that the creature was in fact a coatimundi that had escaped from a nearby home two months previously.

Three gardens in particular appear to have been favoured destinations for the coati. RSPCA officers say they had to use a humane trap (usually used for capturing injured animals) to catch the wily creature.

Animal collection officer Dennis Lovell said: "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."

Coatis originate in South America and, like many exotic pets, can be challenging to look after.

Image © RSPCA

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.