Raccoons Are Not a Threat

The hypothesis that the raccoon can negatively affect local populations of animal species relevant to nature conservation through predation could not be confirmed on the basis of the results available from the Müritz National Park area.

The dissertation is part of a multi-year, integrated research project. The study once again clears raccoons of the negative image that has been falsely imposed on them, particularly by hobby hunters. It demonstrates that there is no scientific basis for the outright smear campaigns against these intelligent animals, nor for the intensive and cruel hunting of them. The outright campaign of extermination waged by hobby hunters and their hunters’ tales against raccoons has once again been thoroughly refuted.

Der Waschbär

Calculations regarding the extent and relevance of predation revealed that vertebrate species were taken predominantly in very small quantities and belong to those species that exhibit high or above-average abundance in the study area. Most of the protected species present in the area did not fall within the prey spectrum of raccoons. In the future as well, no negative ecological impact is to be expected in the Müritz National Park, given the documented population structure (population near carrying capacity) and the lack of dietary specialisation. The results of the dietary analyzes indicate a highly opportunistic use of the food resources available in the area.

I do not know a single scientist or hunting expert who seriously believes it is possible to stop these animals by means of hunting. We simply have to come to terms with the fact that the raccoon feels at home among us and that we cannot regulate it. In that respect, we must learn to coexist with it.

Dr. Ulf Hohmann, Wildlife Biologist and Raccoon Expert

The assumption that the influence of the raccoon on individual species in an anthropogenically more heavily influenced habitat is greater due to a reduced available supply could likewise not be substantiated. The food supply in the cultural landscape of the northeastern German lowlands does not represent a limiting resource for raccoons.

In an article in the Basler Zeitung of 4.9.2021 wildlife expert Darius Weber also provides information about raccoons: «They are neither useful nor harmful nor dramatic».

• Keeping raccoons away in an animal-friendly manner
• Raccoons also have a right to life
• Dealing with “invasive” species – a critical analysis from a biological and legal perspective
• Neozoa
• Basel wants to kill raccoons
• Raccoons are not a threat
• Open letter to Katrin Schneeberger of FOEN
• Removal of the raccoon from the lists of so-called invasive species
• Facts instead of hunters’ tales about raccoons
• Hunting and Nonsense Office in the Canton of Aargau wants to shoot raccoons