Procyon lotor in Ireland
Scientific name: Procyon lotor (Linnaeus 1758)
Common name: Raccoon (GB) Waschbär (DE), Vaskebjørn (DK), Pesukaru (EE), Pesukarhu (FI), Paprastasis meškėnas (LT), Jenot (LV), Vanlig vaskebjørn (NO), Szop pracz (PL) Jenot poloskun, Енот-полоскун (RU), Tvättbjörn (SE).
Synonyms: Ursus lotor L., 1758, Lotor vulgaris Tiedemann, 1808, Procyon annulatus G. Fischer, 1814.
Why the concern? The raccoon is listed as one of the 100 or the Worst Invasive Species in Europe. In April 2011, this species was seen in the wild in County Cork. This is the first record for Ireland or Northern Ireland. It is likely that this species has arrived in Ireland through the pet trade or trade in animals for zoos. When racoon populations reach high numbers, they can impact on native biodiversity. The species is known to predate on bird nests and amphibians resulting in reduced breeding success. Raccoons are also a carrier of the roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis which can be dangerous to other species of mammals and birds. There is concern that this species could transmit infectious diseases to humans.
What does it look like? Raccoons have a distinctive masked face, greyish fur. The head is wide with big eyes and pointed muzzle. One of the most distinguishing features of the raccoon is its black or almost black mask that fully surrounds the eye region, reaching from the cheeks across the eyes and muzzle, and extending down the muzzle and up to the forehead.
Where might I see it? Raccoons can be found in many different types of habitats including urban areas and woodlands. Members of the public may see this species near houses and in housing estates.
Date Issued:
Invasive status: This species is listed as being invasive in other European countries and a potential invader in the Invasive Species Ireland 2007 risk assessment. See the NOBANIS database on Procyon lotor.Introduction status: Casual occurrence. This species is not thought to be established in Ireland.
Distribution Frequency: Rare
Is there a reference specimen?: No. The species was confirmed from a photograph.
Actions taken to date: National Parks and Wildlife Service have been notified and regional staff are making local inquires. National press have been notified.
Pathway of introduction: it is unclear how the raccoon arrived into Ireland. It is likely to have been imported for the pet trade.
What can you do?:
If you think you have seen this species in the wild, if possible take a photo of it and submit a record of it to the National Biodiversity Data Centre or to Alien Watch.
For more information the following can be contacted:
Name: Colette O' Flynn Organization: National Biodiversity Data Centre E-mail: coflynn@biodiversityireland.ie Phone: + 353 (0) 51306240
Or
Name: John Kelly Organization: Invasive Species Ireland E-mail: john@invasivespeciesireland.com Phone: + 44 2890278330