Range expansion of feral raccoons from the northwestern part of Kanagawa prefecture to Yamanashi prefecture, Japan

Abstract

The distribution of feral raccoons was studied in the northwestern part of Kanagawa and the eastern part of Yamanashi prefectures. This study was conducted with the interview survey and by the automatic camera. It was clear that the distribution of raccoons in the northwest of Kanagawa had expanded in comparison to previous data. It was confirmed that the raccoons population had reached Yamanashi. In any future control strategy, the highest priority should be the removal of raccoons in northwestern Kanagawa and eastern Yamanashi. Range expansion of this species may be facilitated by the Sagami and the Doushi rivers. The presence of raccoons was also confirmed in the border between Kanagawa and Tokyo. Thus, collaboration with Tokyo and neighboring prefectures is necessary to prevent future range expansion of raccoons in these areas.