PETA fights against raccoon hunting: An appeal for animal protection in Kassel!

PETA fights against raccoon hunting: An appeal for animal protection in Kassel!

In Kassel, a heated debate about the future handling of raccoons is causing a stir. PETA has responded to the discussion with a counter-petition entitled “No killing of raccoons in Kassel”, highlighting the challenges associated with hunting these animals. PETA spokeswoman Vivien Lengemann announced the online petition on change.org, which had already gained around 750 supporters as of Tuesday. In contrast, there is another petition that is more popular among the population, with around 470 supporters and was launched by the Center for Biological Diversity and the Pro Habichtswald citizens' initiative. This calls for combating invasive species in Kassel. [HNA] reports that PETA cites studies showing that hunting does not reduce raccoon populations.

Science has also brought the debate surrounding raccoons into focus. Researchers at the Goethe University Frankfurt have uncovered some myths about the animals. In fact, raccoons in Germany are anything but harmless wild animals. The population is estimated at 1.6 to 2 million, and cities like Kassel have over 100 raccoons per 100 hectares. The animals pose a threat to native species because they specifically visit breeding grounds for amphibians and ground-nesting birds. In doing so, they often kill more clutches of eggs than they can actually use, which accelerates the decline of endangered species. In a position paper, the scientists also identified nine common myths about raccoons, including the false belief that hunting does not affect reproduction rates. [Uni Frankfurt] also highlights that castration of raccoons would be almost impossible to implement as a practical solution.

The difficulties of hunting

The hunters in Hesse are skeptical about the planned year-round hunting of raccoons. Biologists warn that one-sided hunting, especially of the giving birthing females, could increase the birth rate. Nannette Welk, veterinarian and head of the “raccoon specialist group”, advocates biological control measures such as sterilization and castration. Sterilized male dogs that remain in the habitat prevent the immigration of new raccoons. The current hunting plans could therefore be counterproductive and even lead to an increase in the population. [Nature and Landscape] points to the need to rethink traditional hunting methods and instead rely on organic management.

The new perspective on raccoons has sparked both political and public debates. Over the last 10 years, the EU has approved measures to control invasive species that have already been successfully implemented in other countries. In Hesse, there are plans to start castration projects at no cost for the next three years. However, this is in contrast to the increasing number of young animals in need of help in wildlife stations, which are no longer allowed to be released into the wild, which leads to an increase in killings or shootings on site.

It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the various petition creators will be listened to by the city administration. The raccoon has established itself as part of the landscape in Germany over the years - but its presence here for more than 100 years also brings challenges that cannot be ignored.