Raccoons, native to North America, are present across Europe and are considered an invasive species. Their presence is a result of human activities rather than natural dispersal. In 2016, they were added to the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern, prohibiting their import, breeding, transport, or release within the European Union. This classification reflects their growing impact on local ecosystems.
Their Presence Across Europe
Raccoons have become an established and expanding component of European wildlife. Their populations are widespread. They have successfully adapted to diverse European environments, including forests, rural landscapes, and urban areas. Their adaptability and omnivorous diet allow them to thrive. Populations have increased exponentially in some regions.
How Raccoons Arrived in Europe
The introduction of raccoons to Europe primarily occurred in the early to mid-20th century. Many were brought over for fur farming, a practice that gained traction in the 1920s and 1930s. Escapes from these fur farms contributed significantly to the establishment of wild populations. For instance, approximately 25 raccoons escaped from a fur farm in Brandenburg, Germany, in 1945. Another introduction happened in 1934 when four raccoons were deliberately released near Lake Edersee in Germany to enrich local fauna. Other instances involved intentional releases for hunting or accidental escapes from private pet owners, further facilitating their spread.
Geographic Distribution in Europe
Raccoons are found in at least 27 European countries, with Germany serving as a primary hotspot. Estimates suggest there could be as many as 1.5 to 2 million raccoons in Germany alone, particularly concentrated in regions like Hesse and Brandenburg. Beyond Germany, established populations extend into neighboring countries such as France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands. They have also spread to Belgium, with an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 individuals, and have reached areas as far as Scandinavia, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Eastern Europe including Ukraine and Russia. Their expansion often follows river systems, other natural corridors, and urban environments.
Ecological Consequences
The presence of raccoons in Europe poses various ecological challenges to native wildlife and ecosystems. They are opportunistic predators, preying on ground-nesting birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, which can negatively impact vulnerable native populations. Studies in Poland, for example, have documented raccoons preying on hibernating bats and consuming endangered mussels. Raccoons also compete with native carnivores for resources, including food and den sites. They are carriers of zoonotic diseases that can affect both wildlife and humans. They are known reservoirs for rabies and the parasitic roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis, whose eggs can be shed in raccoon feces and pose a risk of severe neurological disease if ingested.