UPI – Japan authorities are facing challenges posed by a particularly cunning invasive species: North American raccoons. The city has seen a significant surge in the raccoon population in recent years, with 1,282 captured in fiscal 2022, a stark rise from 259 caught in fiscal 2012.
The animals are believed to have established a breeding population in the wild after being kept as pets and subsequently escaping or being abandoned. Raccoons gained popularity as pets in Japan following the animated TV series Rascal the Raccoon in the 1970s.
The raccoons have been held responsible for extensive crop damage in the hills west of Tokyo in recent years. According to the local farm ministry, the animals caused a total of USD2.8 million in crop damage in fiscal 2022.
Local authorities stated these highly adaptable animals have proven challenging to manage, and they have even begun sabotaging traps set by officials.
