Two pairs of North American raccoons were released in Germany's Kassel, today their population is around 30,000 and are known as 'bandits' by public

Intriguingly, German raccoons, previously thought to have ties to Hermann Göring, were dispersed through administrative action. Research uncovering archival documents traces their onset to Kassel in 1934. Moreover, genetic studies have pinpointed several other deliberate releases across eastern Germany. These highly adaptable creatures have proliferated throughout Europe, raising alarms over potential property destruction and threats to indigenous wildlife.

By TOI World Desk