Across Japan, raccoons are popping up in unexpected places outside their wild habitat. They have shown up in houses and temples, ripping up roofs, chewing through wiring, soiling ceilings with urine and feces, and causing other issues.

A case in Kobe involved an over-80-year-old temple that had been targeted by raccoons for the third time, according to News On Japan.

Here’s what to know

The latest signs at the Kobe temple indicated that a family of raccoons was using a tight area under the roof as a den. The priest became aware that the animals were back after hearing sounds while removing leaves from the roof, and a later inspection revealed footprints near the structure.

The temple was already familiar with the damage these critters can cause. In a previous infestation, a raccoon gnawed through equipment above the main hall ceiling, causing water to gush out near the air-conditioning area. Barriers were later installed, but the animals still got back in by reaching the roof space over an added section that includes a bath.

After cutting into the ceiling to reach the attic, pest-control workers found accumulated droppings, leaves, and an opening believed to be the access route. The space was too narrow for a direct capture, so smoke was used to drive the animals out, and three young raccoons were eventually taken.

More background

Part of Japan’s raccoon issue can be traced back to humans. The animals were introduced to the country during a pet boom, and some either escaped or were released after owners could no longer keep them. Since then, wild raccoon populations have become established in cities as well as the countryside.

Experts have noted that human activity often plays a role in wildlife conflict, especially when animals adapt to spaces humans have built.

Because raccoons face few natural predators in Japan, their population has been able to expand. Their broad diet has also made them a concern for farms, native wildlife, and the surrounding environment.

As they move between forested areas and residential neighborhoods, raccoons can bring ticks and other disease-carrying pests into attics and homes. Their droppings can also leave contamination behind even after the animals themselves are gone.

What’s being done?

Workers covered potential entry spots with aluminum plates. They also cleaned and disinfected the attic to eliminate odors that might attract the animals again, since raccoons are known to keep trying to return to places they have used before.

Removal can be dangerous work. Adult raccoons may become more aggressive while breeding and raising young, which is why trained specialists are often called in. In the Kobe temple case, the contractor said the busiest stretch for this kind of work is usually from May through August.

Beyond individual removals, Kobe has set up a wider local response through its Raccoon Busters program. The city supports registered community groups by teaching them how to use cages, lending equipment, and offering an incentive by paying 3,000 yen for each captured animal. Around 20 groups are registered.

City officials have also emphasized that residents are not free to catch raccoons on their own. Trapping them is regulated and requires either a hunting license or authorization and registration through local government.

According to the city, raccoons are an introduced species in Japan, and the long-term aim is to steadily shrink their numbers.

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