Raccoons, originally native to North America, have become a common sight in northeastern France, particularly in the Aisne department. These animals are considered invasive in France and a species of concern by the European Union due to their ability to damage crops and spread diseases. Their presence in the region traces back to 1966, when American soldiers left behind a few raccoons as mascots when they withdrew from a military base in Couvron, Aisne, as part of the NATO forces' exit from French territory. These raccoons adapted quickly to the local environment and have since spread across forests, farmlands, and even near villages. The Aisne department is the most affected area, with 51% of its communes reporting raccoon sightings. The animals have also expanded their range to neighboring regions such as the Marne, Meuse, Ardennes, Oise, Somme, and even Île-de-France. Their ability to thrive in Europe is due in part to their flexible diet, fast reproduction, and the lack of natural predators to control their numbers. Since the 1990s, the number of French communes where raccoons have been found has more than tripled, and today, over 1,500 raccoons are captured annually in the Aisne, Oise, Marne, and Ardennes regions combined. In addition to the northeastern population, raccoons in Alsace, Lorraine, and the Vosges regions have a German origin. They were introduced to France in 1934 and later escaped from farms after World War II. Other regions, such as Auvergne and Gironde, have raccoon populations that originated from zoo escapes. These multiple introductions have led to a widespread and growing raccoon population across the country. The increasing number of raccoons has raised concerns among local authorities, who are worried about the impact on agriculture, poultry farming, and natural ecosystems. In response, efforts to monitor and control raccoon populations have been strengthened to mitigate their effects on local environments and human activities.