Raccoons from North America establish breeding populations in Berlin, overwhelming local wildlife management

Raccoons introduced to Germany decades ago have multiplied into a widespread invasive species across Berlin and surrounding regions, competing with native wildlife and damaging property. German environmental authorities report significant ecological disruption as the raccoon population grows without natural predators in Europe. Residents face ongoing conflicts as raccoons raid garbage, damage homes, and spread disease. The DW report documents the scale of the invasion and Berlin's efforts to control the species through trapping and population management.