RACCOON THREAT

A raccoon has been spotted in the wild near Garve in Ross-shire. Raccoons have been identified in Scotland as one of the top 50 invasive, non-native species most likely to be introduced and create problems. They are currently kept as pets and in zoos, but there have been several escapes in the last few years. Raccoons are native to North America, where they are considered to be a major nuisance, causing damage to buildings and gardens, and foraging in rubbish bins. They also carry wildlife diseases, such as rabies.