Raccoons: The New Europeans

The documentary reveals how raccoons were initially brought to Germany for their fur, with two gestate pairs released into the wild after fur quality declined. This film highlights the significant population growth of raccoons, which now number around half a million in Germany, and their spread throughout Europe.

In recent years, German biologists have begun studying the effects of these raccoons on native species, leading to surprising findings. The film presents a nuanced view of an invasive species that many wish to see eradicated, yet offers comforting conclusions about their impact on local wildlife. With a runtime of 43 minutes, this nature documentary combines insightful research with compelling visuals, making it a noteworthy exploration of a contemporary ecological issue.