Raccoon Invasion: New Threat to Swiss Biodiversity

Wildlife officials report increasing raccoon sightings in northwestern Switzerland, raising concerns about the impact of these invasive North American species on local ecosystems.

Key Takeaways

Raccoons have invaded northwestern Switzerland, entering from Germany
Raccoons were originally introduced to Europe by breeders from North America
Raccoons can climb, swim, and open doors/windows
Swiss Federal Hunting Act requires cantons to control raccoon populations

By The Numbers

Primary affected cantons

They Said

"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 Emerging Threat

Origins and Spread

Environmental Impact

Control Measures

Public Guidelines

Sources & References

Cute but invasive: raccoons spotted in northwestern Switzerland

SWI swissinfo.ch

Key Takeaways

Raccoons have invaded northwestern Switzerland, entering from Germany
Raccoons were originally introduced to Europe by breeders from North America
Raccoons can climb, swim, and open doors/windows
Swiss Federal Hunting Act requires cantons to control raccoon populations

By The Numbers

Primary affected cantons

They Said

"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

Key Takeaways

By The Numbers

They Said

The Emerging Threat

Origins and Spread

Environmental Impact

Control Measures

Public Guidelines

Sources & References

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