District of Central Saxony Wants to Kill Raccoons

In a shameful press release, the district of Central Saxony warns of the spread of raccoons and labels the species «problem bears.» The animal rights organization criticizes the district's call to action and rejects the allegations against the species as unfounded. According to a long-running scientific study of ecosystems in eastern Germany, raccoons pose no threat to biodiversity.

Editorial Team Wild beim Wild — 13 August 2021

In a shameful press release, the district of Central Saxony warns of the spread of raccoons and labels the species «problem bears.» The district is calling on the public to trap the animals using live traps and kill them.

Allegations scientifically unfounded

The animal rights organization PETA Deutschland sharply criticizes the district's call to action and rejects the allegations against the species as scientifically unfounded. According to a long-running study by the “Raccoon” project network on ecosystems in eastern Germany, raccoons pose no significant threat to biodiversity. The animals feed primarily on earthworms, insects, and fruit.

We are astonished that the head of the forestry department is disparaging raccoons without knowledge of the current state of research. We usually only hear this kind of thing at recreational hunters' gatherings. There is no scientific basis for it. We advocate for greater objectivity in the debate and a halt to recreational hunting of raccoons.
Dr. Yvonne Würz, biologist and specialist advisor at PETA Deutschland

Recreational hunting stimulates reproduction

The research findings are clear: Endangered species are virtually absent from the raccoon's diet. A negative ecological impact on local ecosystems was ruled out in the long-term study. On the contrary, it is scientifically established that recreational hunting on raccoons stimulates reproduction while simultaneously destroying age structures and social hierarchies. The attempt to curb raccoon populations through hunting is now widely regarded in wildlife biology as having failed.

Live traps cause great animal suffering

PETA also criticizes the district office's call for hobby hunting with live traps. Being caught alive causes many wild animals severe stress and considerable suffering. The animals panic and often sustain serious injuries during desperate attempts to escape. The use of live traps fundamentally contradicts the principles of animal welfare.