"It Would Be Better to Euthanize It." Zoologist Explains the Danger a Raccoon Found by Customs in a US Container Poses to Belarus
Yesterday, it became known that during the transshipment of passenger cars delivered to Belarus from the USA, Belarusian customs officers found an unusual guest: a raccoon was sitting in one of the cars. It is presumed that the animal climbed into the sea container during the loading phase and thus crossed the ocean. Zoologist Aliaksandr Vincheuski told the "Smartpress" publication whether it could be dangerous for our country.
After being found in the container, the animal was immediately sent to quarantine at the Ashmiany District Veterinary Station. After its completion, the raccoon is planned to be transferred either to Naliboki Forest or to Hrodna Zoo: a decision will be made considering the condition of the American guest.
However, according to the zoologist, it would be best to... euthanize the animal. The thing is, Aliaksandr Vincheuski explained, that along with the raccoon, parasites — both external and internal — "arrived" in Belarus. Furthermore, this species is considered invasive in Europe: simply put, its spread threatens biodiversity.
"In the European Union, unlike us, the import of raccoons is prohibited. For example, in Germany, some sentimental person released one into the wild (or it escaped on its own), resulting in millions of them there now. They cause damage everywhere because they can swim, climb trees, and rob everyone around — nests, for example. What's more, they eat fish, crayfish, chicks, mice, frogs. In general, they destroy all living things," the zoologist explained.
After Germany, raccoons began to actively spread in Poland, and three years ago, the animals were spotted in the floodplain of the Western Berezina. According to the specialist, they were seen in at least the Brest, Baranavichy, and Iwye districts.
"There is a probability that they are already present in small numbers throughout Western Belarus. Therefore, another one, unfortunately, is absolutely not needed," Vincheuski explained.
"It's a pity for the animal, of course, but it would be better to euthanize it and give it to scientists. Ideally, even zoos should get rid of them to avoid problems for nature. It's an alien, harmful species... Back in the 1950s, they wanted to introduce them to Belarus for their fur, but eventually, these few dozen released in Polesia were destroyed by wolves and lynx," the zoologist added.
Customs officers promised to tell what will happen next with the American guest.
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