Invasive Raccoons Pose New Threat in Northwestern Switzerland

Wildlife officials warn of growing raccoon population in Basel region, raising concerns about native species and public health risks.

Raccoons have migrated into Switzerland from Germany, with recent sightings concentrated in the Basel region.
The Swiss Federal Hunting Act mandates the culling and control of raccoon populations.
Raccoons pose a dual threat: predation on native species (birds, reptiles) and transmission of diseases like rabies and tapeworms.
Sightings are currently confined to Basel City, Basel Country, and Aargau.
Authorities are using thermal imaging technology to track and trap raccoons in villages like Seltisberg.

Cantons affected

100%

Cull requirement

"Raccoons prey on birds, small mammals, and reptiles. They can also transmit dangerous diseases such as tapeworms and rabies."
— Holger Stockhaus

"If we act now and capture or cull the raccoons, we can prevent them from becoming a widespread problem."
— Thomas Schöpfer

The Masked Invader Breaches the Border

Raccoons have migrated into Switzerland from Germany, with recent sightings concentrated in the Basel region.
The Swiss Federal Hunting Act mandates the culling and control of raccoon populations.
Raccoons pose a dual threat: predation on native species (birds, reptiles) and transmission of diseases like rabies and tapeworms.
Sightings are currently confined to Basel City, Basel Country, and Aargau.
Authorities are using thermal imaging technology to track and trap raccoons in villages like Seltisberg.

Cantons affected

100%

Cull requirement

"Raccoons prey on birds, small mammals, and reptiles. They can also transmit dangerous diseases such as tapeworms and rabies."
— Holger Stockhaus

"If we act now and capture or cull the raccoons, we can prevent them from becoming a widespread problem."
— Thomas Schöpfer