Raccoons in a hunting crisis: experts warn of overpopulation!

Raccoons in a hunting crisis: experts warn of overpopulation!

A worrying trend is emerging in Baden-Württemberg: raccoons are now classified as pests. These animals, which originally come from North America, threaten the local wildlife and are multiplying rapidly. An important issue is the planned abolition of the closed season for raccoons, which will only be limited by the protection of mother animals. This concerns the implementation of a new closed season regulation, which should be completed by the end of the year stern.de reported.

Raccoons cause significant damage, particularly in urban areas. They plunder gardens, destroy buildings and can also cause problems in agriculture. What hunters have to be prepared for: The hunting distance increased dramatically last season - from 6,322 raccoons shot in 2022/2023 to 9,174 in the following season. The animals are most often shot in the Ostalbkreis, Rems-Murr district and in Schwäbisch Hall.

The challenge of the raccoon population

Another alarm call comes from wildlife biologists who warn of the uncontrolled spread of the raccoon population. These animals are considered to be carriers of various diseases, which not only endangers local biodiversity but also poses a risk to people and pets. Raccoons have been on the EU list of invasive species since 2016, making their regulation an important issue.

A current study by the Goethe University Frankfurt, which was carried out as part of the ZOWIAC project, sheds light on the distribution patterns of raccoons in Germany and Europe. Prof. Dr. Sven Klimpel and his team analyzed 21 years of data to identify the different phases of the raccoon invasion. The results show that raccoons in Germany number between 1.6 and 2 million animals and their population continues to grow. The highest populations are currently found in northern Hesse and northeast Brandenburg, where the spread is stagnating. In southwest Germany, which also includes Baden-Württemberg, the raccoon populations are still in the early stages of their expansion Senckenberg reported.

Consequences and future

The study results provide an important basis for effective management strategies that could also be useful for other invasive species. The researchers argue that hunting and its regulation are necessary to stop the rapid increase in raccoons. Historically, raccoons were non-native; They were released in Germany in 1934 and have since spread without any natural enemies.

The alarm bells are ringing: The challenges in dealing with raccoons and protecting local biodiversity are greater than ever. Despite those who see lifting the closed season as ineffective, experts emphasize the urgency with which this issue must be addressed in order to avoid future damage.

Read more about the background of the raccoon invasion and the challenges it poses on University of Frankfurt.