Raccoon seeks refuge on police officer's shoulder in German park

A young raccoon caused a stir in an Erfurt park after being discovered wandering alone, apparently having lost its mother.

Park visitors found the distressed animal on Friday evening and took immediate action. They wrapped the young raccoon in a blanket and contacted the police. The authorities responded, and according to a police statement on the platform X, the "operations leader on four paws" sought refuge on an officer's shoulder while awaiting further assistance.

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who apparently had lost its mother and was wandering alone

The police notified the responsible city hunter, as is customary in such wildlife encounters. However, before the hunter could arrive, the small raccoon managed to escape from the box where it had been temporarily placed and continued on its way.

Authorities noted that raccoons, originally from North America, are classified as an invasive species in Thuringia and are subject to hunting laws. The omnivorous raccoon is considered a threat to native bird and amphibian species and is known to raid trash cans in urban areas.

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Our "operations leader on four paws" briefly sought protection on a colleague's shoulder