The raccoon is synonymous with North American wildlife. Revered in the mythologies of Indigenous peoples, this ubiquitous mammal, distinguished for its striking black 'bandit' mask over its face and bushy ringed tail, is clever, playful, and extremely agile. It's also an invasive pest if you happen to live in Germany!
Yes, believe it or not, there are around two million raccoons in Germany, the result of two pairs being released into the countryside over 90 years ago. And the raccoon's presence in this European nation is not just a consequence of human action: it's coupled with the animal's remarkable ability to thrive in diverse environments.
But the way the mammal has survived in its adopted homeland has polarized the population, with some referring to raccoons as "little gangsters" responsible for damaging property and intruding upon fragile ecosystems.
So, are raccoons really causing mayhem in Germany? And, if so, what's being done about it? For answers, click on and learn more about these cheeky North American interlopers.