Nature Japan sees sharp rise in raccoon damage

Raccoons are increasingly finding their way into homes across Japan, damaging roofs and electrical wiring and contaminating buildings with large amounts of urine and faeces. Their growing numbers are also causing concern over agricultural damage, native wildlife and the possible spread of disease.


Once raccoons have occupied a building, they are known to try to return repeatedly. This makes finding and completely sealing their entry points particularly important. Raccoons are not native to Japan. They were originally imported as pets during a boom in their popularity, but some escaped while others were released after their owners could no longer care for them. Wild populations have since spread across the country, including into major cities.

With few natural predators in Japan, their numbers have continued to grow. Crop damage has increased, while their omnivorous diet means they also prey on native species, raising concerns about the wider impact on local ecosystems. There are health concerns as well. Raccoons moving between forests and residential areas can carry ticks and other disease vectors with them, potentially bringing these into attics and other parts of people's homes.

[...] raccoon-related work is particularly busy from May through August. Local governments are also stepping up efforts to control the growing population. Kobe has launched the KOBE Raccoon Busters program, which teaches registered civic groups how to use capture cages and lends them the equipment. Around 20 groups are currently registered, and a reward of 3,000 yen is paid for each raccoon captured. City officials said raccoons are not native to Japan and pose risks to indigenous species as well as causing damage to homes and other property. The program is intended to increase the number of animals captured and gradually reduce the population. Capturing raccoons is regulated, however, and requires either a hunting license or authorization and registration under procedures established by local governments. Members of the public are not permitted to capture the animals without the necessary approval.

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I have about 10 I feed at night in my back yard every night. I always wonder where they are living?

They're too sweet! What do you feed them?

They seem to like peanuts when young and Ritz crackers & dog biscuits' when they get older. They cost me about $400US a month to feed. I also have 2 possums , a pretty grey fox and a huge skunk that visit.

In case anyone is wondering, this article tells you how to distinguish between a tanuki and a raccoon.