A raccoon climbs up a skyscraper in downtown Toronto. Image by Robert MacFarlane via AP Photo.

A raccoon climbs up a  58-storey skyscraper in downtown Toronto. Image by Robert MacFarlane via AP Photo.

A death-defying raccoon has caused a sensation in Toronto by climbing a crane about 698ft up a skyscraper.

Social media was abuzz with a photo of the furry adventurer peering from between the metallic rungs of a crane 58 storeys high.

The photo was snapped by crane operator Rob MacFarlane who has a popular Twitter stream that showcases photos of the city from high above.

Mr MacFarlane said it is not the first time he has seen evidence of raccoons high on the crane.

He said the critter calmly climbed back down the crane after he yelled at it to leave.

(Press Association)