Over the past few days, there have been sightings of “raccoons” around Fukae in Higashinada Ward to Hirata-cho in Ashiya City. Ashitsu reader Ryo-chan had also sent us information and photos suggesting, “Could it be a badger?” But now, another Ashitsu reader has sent in a new sighting report!
↑ Previous raccoon and badger reports
This time, the person who sent raccoon information to the official Ashitsu LINE account is apparently the very person who reported the raccoon sighting to the police!
They sent us photos taken when they spotted it!! Here they are↓
↑ Compared with the “badger” photo from the other day, this one has a slightly stockier body and a striped tail! This definitely doesn’t look like a badger…!
↑ Here’s an even closer shot! Those dexterous-looking front paws gripping the wire fence, the facial markings, the long striped tail… this is definitely a raccoon!
And amazingly, they even sent us a video! Watch it on YouTube here↓
We also received information from Ashitsu reader Pontanuki!
About the raccoon (badger) being seen around Hirata-cho, I also saw one in Fukaekita-machi, Higashinada, around last summer. At first I thought it might be a tanuki. I saw it while walking my dog late at night. Its tail was striped and thick, so I don’t think it was a cat or anything like that.
Apparently, a “striped tail” is a characteristic of raccoons, not badgers or tanuki. And it seems they may have been around since last summer…!?
With this much evidence pointing to “raccoons,” that means… there are currently both “raccoons” and “badgers” around Hirata-cho (western Ashiya City) to Fukaeminami-machi and Fukaekita-machi!!
Who would have thought the “different animals” theory was right!! Maybe an intense territorial battle between badgers and raccoons has broken out around Hirata-cho to Fukae…?
If you get too close to a raccoon carelessly, there is a risk of being bitten or scratched. Badgers are said to be relatively gentle, but they can eat crops, and because they dig holes, they may loosen the ground and affect buildings.
Both are wild animals, so even if you encounter one, don’t approach or provoke it unnecessarily. Quietly and gently move away!
Thank you to our LINE reader and Pontanuki for the information, photos, and video!!
■■■We’re looking for your tips!■■■
