An invasion of raccoons from Germany is expected in Limburg following the capture of a wild specimen by the local water authority.

Biologist and predator specialist Jaap Mulder told local Limburg newspapers that this animal is the advance guard. ‘It is a young animal which is looking for a place to settle,’ Mulder said.

Raccoons have been spotted in Limburg before, but it is suspected these were escaped specimens.

‘However, we will have to accept that the raccoon will establish itself here in the coming years,’ Mulder said.

He does not expect the creature to have a negative influence on the local fauna or to introduce sicknesses into the area.