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Raccoon invasion in Poland? A call to manage the growing population

28.10.2024 12:12
Experts highlight the pressing need to control the growing raccoon population in Poland, especially in the "Ujście Warty" National Park located in the west of the country, due to its threat to local wildlife and biodiversity.
Raccoons are increasingly prevalent in western Poland, particularly in Ujście Warty National Park, where their habitat is ideal. To manage this invasive species, hunters remove approximately 4,500 raccoons annually in areas outside urban centers.
Raccoons are increasingly prevalent in western Poland, particularly in "Ujście Warty" National Park, where their habitat is ideal. To manage this invasive species, hunters remove approximately 4,500 raccoons annually in areas outside urban centers.Ifer Endahl/Unsplash.com/CC0

Raccoons compete with native species, disrupting ecosystems despite their charming looks, according to specialists.

This interference has prompted the Polish Hunting Association to stress the critical importance of managing their population in Poland, as they pose a significant threat to local fauna.

Their numbers are rising, particularly in "Ujście Warty" National Park, leading hunters to cull about 4,500 each year in rural areas.

As omnivores, raccoons can harm local biodiversity and carry pathogens that threaten human health. While culling efforts are ongoing, their effectiveness is limited.

Recently, Polish firefighters had to intervene because a raccoon got stuck on a power pole. During the rescue attempt, the animal decided to escape on its own and safely regained its freedom.

Robert Zdrojewski from "Ujście Warty" National Park explains to the Polish state news agency PAP that raccoons, originally from North America, were brought to Europe for fur farming.

He asserts that collaboration among various organizations is essential to prevent the further spread of these invasive animals and mitigate ecological damage.

Experts from the Polish Hunting Association emphasize the need to regulate the raccoon population in Poland, as it is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to local wildlife, contrary to its portrayal as a cute animal. Experts from the Polish Hunting Association emphasize the need to regulate the raccoon population in Poland, as it is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to local wildlife, contrary to its portrayal as a cute animal.

Source: PAP/PZŁ/X/@remizacompl

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