Basel wants raccoons killed

Non-native animals are granted no protection: they are unwanted and “worthless,” even though they have long since ceased to be regarded as mere objects. Their right to life is denied by law on account of their origin and in the name of an ecological balance dictated by humans. This is “speciesism” in practice — meaning that, through its attitude toward non-native animals, humanity once again demonstrates its conviction that it is superior to all other species by virtue of its kind, and may therefore treat them however it wishes. This attitude is more than reprehensible and can no longer be tolerated.

Editorial team Wild beim Wild — 6 September 2021

In a shameful information sheet the Office of Forests of both Basels warns of the spread of raccoons and describes the species as «problem bears».

Allegations unfounded

They are said to threaten the ecological balance. The animal rights organisation IG Wild beim Wild criticises the call and rejects the allegations against the species as unfounded.

According to a long-running scientific study conducted in ecosystems in eastern Germany, raccoons pose no threat to biodiversity.

Forest Office of both Basel cantons wants raccoons killed — Basel wants raccoons killed

We are astonished that the Office of Forests of both Basels is disparaging wild animals without knowledge of the current state of research. We would normally expect that only from the recreational hunters’ regulars’ table. There is no scientific basis for it. We advocate for greater objectivity in the debate and a halt to recreational hunting of raccoons.
Carl Sonnthal, IG Wild beim Wild

Threatened species make up virtually no part of the raccoon’s dietary spectrum. Any negative ecological impact was ruled out.

In an article in the Basler Zeitung of 4.9.2021 wildlife expert Darius Weber also sheds light on raccoons: «They are neither useful nor harmful nor alarming».

It has long been scientifically proven that recreational raccoon hunting stimulates reproduction while destroying age structures and social structures.