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Review Article

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) invasion in Poland: threats to native species and nature conservation challenges

Lidia Felska-Błaszczyk ¹ , Wiktoria Butkiewicz¹, Hubert Wiśniewski¹, Ryszard Czeraszkiewicz²

¹Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, K. Janickiego 33, 71-270 Szczecin, Poland

²Naturalists Club of Szczecin, ul. P. Michałkowskiego 2c, 71-343 Szczecin, Poland

1. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 23(2), 2024, 13‒22
2. DOI: 10.21005/asp.2024.23.2.02

Abstract. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is one of the most impactful invasive alien species in Poland, and its population has been growing rapidly in recent years. This species is highly opportunistic in terms of habitat and food, which favors its expansion and colonization of new areas, due to its ability to easily adapt to diverse environmental conditions. Raccoons are found in forests, orchards, and farmland, as well as in built-up areas, such as villages and cities. The threats the raccoon poses to native species and ecosystems, as well as to human health and safety, are increasingly recognized. This study examines the origin of the species, its current range in Poland and Europe, key mechanisms of invasiveness, and the potential ecological and social impacts of its presence.

Keywords: raccoon, invasive alien species, threats