How to handle an encounter with a raccoon?

In the city of Bietigheim-Bissingen, raccoons and martens have become a significant problem, with their populations on the rise. To address this issue, the city has hired three city hunters – Frank Beutelspacher, Benedict Stirblies, and Patrick Gottschling-Laëmmle – to manage the invasive wild animals within built-up areas.

Raccoons, known for their dexterity, are nesting under the roofs of residential houses more frequently. They are capable of lifting roof tiles with their thumbs to gain access to homes. Homeowners' activities, such as clearing birdhouses and hanging up fat balls, may inadvertently attract raccoons, contributing to their increased proximity to humans.

Martens, while requiring an opening in the roof, are often outcompeted by raccoons who create their own openings. The city's pest controllers, mainly responsible for dealing with raccoons, martens, Canada geese, and nutrias, can be contacted via the official city website, www.bietigheim-bissingen.de.

Frank Beutelspacher, who has been working in wildlife management for ten years, is also a city hunter in Marbach am Neckar, Leonberg, and Ditzingen. Benedict Stirblies and Patrick Gottschling-Laëmmle, while relatively new to the role, have been hired in Sachsenheim.

Meanwhile, an old shooting range is set to be demolished in a forest near Asperg. However, nature conservationists have raised concerns about the felling of 256 trees due to the demolition of a ruin in Osterholzwald near Asperg.

Anyone suspecting animals in their attic and hearing noises can now contact the city hunters directly. It is important to note that the city hunters' services are paid for by the person commissioning them, but their deployment is now possible without bureaucracy.

The demolition of the shooting range and the felling of trees in Osterholzwald are separate issues from the city's wildlife management efforts. The focus remains on addressing the growing raccoon and marten populations in Bietigheim-Bissingen and ensuring the safety and comfort of its residents.