The Racoon Invasion Of Germany

Map crated by sashas_mapsThe map above shows how racoons (which are not native to Europe) have slowly been spreading across Germany.

As of 2024, it was estimated that there were over 2 million racoons in the country, but the government is seeking to euthanized them.

Until coming across this map I had no idea that racoons could be found anywhere in Europe, let alone in such big numbers.

So how did they get here?

Their presence in Germany began in the early 20th century, primarily through human introductions.

Below is a brief overview of their history:

• Early Introductions: In the 1930s, raccoons were imported into Germany mainly for fur farming and as exotic animals in zoos.
• Escape and Release: Whether through accidental escapes or intentional releases, these animals eventually made their way into the wild.
• Post-War Expansion: After World War II, additional raccoons escaped from zoos and fur farms, further bolstering their numbers.
• Adaptability and Spread: Thanks to their adaptable nature and high reproductive rates, raccoons quickly established themselves across various habitats—from dense forests to urban areas—especially in eastern regions.
• Current Status: Today, raccoons are considered an invasive species in Germany, raising concerns about their impact on local wildlife and ecosystems, and leading to ongoing discussions about wildlife management.

This history illustrates how a non-native species, once introduced, can rapidly adapt and proliferate, sometimes creating significant ecological challenges, including drinking beer and getting drunk.

And according to Datawarpper:

As recently as 1995, it was rare to find a raccoon in a German hunter’s bag. (These statistics are a good proxy for the overall population, since raccoons in Germany are considered an unprotected game species and can be killed at any time of year without further permissions.) But now their numbers are exploding. In the past 25 years, hunting records would imply that the raccoon population of Germany has grown by a factor of 60.

…

There are two moments in history when we know for sure that raccoons were introduced into the wild in Germany. In 1934, two breeding pairs were deliberately released near lake Edersee, in the area of Kassel, to “enrich the local fauna.” And in 1945, 25 more escaped from a fur farm in Wolfshagen, Brandenburg.

What do you think of raccoons?