News

Results of an investigation in the Nietoperek Bat Reserve (Poland) suggest that the raccoon may be a significant factor in the decline of bat species in the area. Analyses of identifiable remains in raccoon feces demonstrated that bats (including species such as Natterer’s bat (Myotis nattereri), Greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis), Daubenton’s bat (Myotis daubentonii), Brandt’s bat (Myotis brandtii), and Brown long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus)) constituted the largest proportion of raccoon diet (96%). Remains of other mammal species, lizards of the Lacerta genus, plant materials, and anthropogenic food were also detected in raccoon feces.

Cichocki J et al. (2021) Predation of invasive raccoon (Procyon lotor) on hibernating bats in the Nietoperek reserve in Poland. Mammalian Biology 101:57–62

The cardiopulmonary nematodes Angiostrongylus vasorum, Crenosoma vulpis, Capillaria aerophila, and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus can cause diseases in pets. To investigate their potential as reservoirs for these parasites, a total of 1041 animals from seven regions in Denmark were sampled, including 476 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), 367 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 123 American minks (Neogale vison), and three other species. The data from this initial report indicate that raccoon dogs and minks in Denmark can serve as reservoir hosts for A. vasorum, C. vulpis, and C. aerophila (only raccoon dogs), and that A. vasorum appears to be more common than previously reported.

Lemming L et al. (2020) Cardiopulmonary nematodes of wild carnivores from Denmark: Do they serve as reservoir hosts for infections in domestic animals? International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 13:90-97

The impact of invasive raccoon dogs as nest predators was investigated in Sweden. Raccoon dogs consume the contents of the eggs rather than the eggshells, resulting in few visible traces of eggs in their stomachs or feces. Nests of species such as greylag geese (Anser anser), tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula), and common mergansers (Mergus merganser) were preyed upon. The authors conclude that nest predation by raccoon dogs has largely been overlooked in previous studies. The raccoon dog could thus have a significantly greater negative impact on the breeding success of ground-nesting seabirds than previously assumed in the scientific literature.

Dahl F & Åhlén PA (2019) Nest predation by raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides in the archipelago of northern Sweden. Biological Invasions 21:743–755