Raccoons cause growing trouble in Japan's rural, urban areas

TOKYO, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Damage from raccoons is mounting across Japan as the invasive species expands its habitat from rural areas into cities, Kyodo News reported Monday.

Photo taken on June 25, 2019 shows a cityscape of Osaka, Japan. (File photo: Xinhua)

Japanese official data showed that nationwide agricultural crop losses caused by raccoons reached 693 million yen (around 4.4 million U.S. dollars) in fiscal 2024, more than double the amount recorded a decade earlier.

In particular, raccoon damage has become increasingly noticeable in urban areas in recent years. In the western city of Osaka, for example, complaints from residents about raccoons have steadily grown, from 161 in fiscal 2023 to 332 in fiscal 2024 and 397 in fiscal 2025, the report said.

Among the complaints were reports of goldfish being eaten from garden ponds and the animals breaking into attics.

Raccoons also ranked first among wildlife species causing agricultural damage in Osaka Prefecture, accounting for over 40 percent of the total, with crop losses of 84.06 million yen in fiscal 2024, twice the amount recorded the previous year.

Osaka prefectural authorities believe the animals are settling in residential areas in search of food and have urged residents not to approach or feed them.

More places where raccoons can breed, such as vacant houses, may have also helped expand their habitat, the report said, citing an official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Hokkaido in the north is facing a similar problem, with raccoons spreading to nearly the entire prefecture by the end of January this year.

Local officials said raccoon numbers are increasing so quickly that it has become an endless battle.

Nevertheless, experts said continued efforts, such as setting traps, are needed to reduce the animal's population and limit the damage they cause.