Introduced in Europe in 1934, in the Northern Hesse region, in Germany, the raccoon gradually moved to Switzerland. Still discreet in French -speaking Switzerland, he is present around Basel. The authorities monitor its spread, while the animal has invaded Canadian cities, notably Montreal and Toronto.
Originally from North America, the raccoon was introduced in Europe, especially for its fur and to enrich local fauna. Today, it is considered an emblematic example of invasive species that threaten natural balances.
Still little present in French -speaking Switzerland, specimens have been observed all over the rest of the country, specifically in the region of Basel. Specialists follow its progress closely to prevent it from becoming a real ecological problem.
>> Reread: The raccoon settles in the north of Switzerland … and puts a little on the mess
In Canada, Toronto faced with an invasion
However, the situation remains incommensurate with that of Canada, its country of origin, where global warming pushes the species to extend its territory to the north. Formerly confined to the softer regions of the country, these mammals remain few in the countryside, with a dozen individuals per square kilometer. In town, on the other hand, their density can reach up to 100 specimens per square kilometer.
The city of Toronto, overwhelmed by the situation, has invested more than $ 30 million to design trash cans supposed to resist their ingenuity. But the rats washer quickly found the parade: by dropping the trash, the lock gives in and they easily access food. Because these animals are known for their intelligence. They have a neural density comparable to that of certain monkeys.
An ordinary scene in the suburbs of Montreal
Catherine, 32, was walking quietly in her garden, in the suburbs of Montreal, when she saw movement in the trees. And there, surprise: five raccoils were going down one by one, as if they knew the terrain perfectly.
“I no longer felt in my place,” she said on Monday in the morning. “So, I got into the house to watch them out of the window. They occupied space, they played with the game modules of our children … I was both surprised and frightened.”
Catherine observes that raccoons regularly borrow her garden as a passage. “We have seen them several times climbing the fence and they almost seem to offer us a show. We really feel that our land has become their passage,” she said.
Overwhelmed shelters
Cohabitation between humans and rasts is generally peaceful in Canada, but some residents prefer to get rid of them by placing them in shelters. Marie-Claude, who opened hers during the pandemic, welcomes more and more residents. However, for lack of space, she is forced to refuse new arrivals.
Each raccoon welcomed in its refuge represents a new challenge: some, too sick, can never be released, while others are on the right track to find a suitable habitat in a natural environment.
Radio subject: Alexis Gacon
Adaptation web: Miroslav Mares