CDU faction demands bounty for washer bears - Hamburg Proposes Bounty to Curb Its Exploding Raccoon Population

Hamburg is considering a new approach to tackle its growing racoon problem. The city's CDU parliamentary group has proposed a bounty system, offering payments for each animal killed. Raccoons, an invasive species with no natural predators in Germany, are spreading rapidly across the city.

Over the past five years, hunters and control programmes in Hamburg have removed between 15,000 and 20,000 raccoons. In 2023 alone, around 3,500 were culled, though exact numbers vary yearly. Despite these efforts, sightings continue to rise, with reports of raccoons along the U1 subway line, in the harbour, and even at Ohlsdorf Cemetery.

The animals pose a serious threat to local wildlife. They prey on songbirds, amphibians, and reptiles, disrupting native ecosystems. Raccoons also raid nests, spread parasites, and cause structural damage by tearing apart roof insulation.

The proposed bounty would mirror an existing scheme for nutria, another invasive species. Under the plan, hunters would receive a fixed payment for each raccoon killed. However, Hamburg currently lacks precise data on how many raccoons live within its borders.

If approved, the bounty system would encourage more active control of the racoon population. The CDU argues that financial incentives could help reduce numbers faster than current measures. The city's environmental authorities have yet to confirm whether the proposal will move forward.