So uh ... Saw this in a sweetshop window near Calver in the peak District while I was out today...
Image description coming up in the next post
The poster in the window says "Information wanted, have you seen this animal?" and has a picture of a Tanuki (raccoon dog).
the text reads:
"These are known as the Japanese tanuki (raccoon dog) it appears that a number of these have been released in the area, if you happen to see one, please don't attempt to capture it as they may bite, but contact BeastWatch UK C.I.C (BWUK)"
There's a pair of phone numbers below, a thank you, and both a website link and the text "find us on facebook" below.
APPARENTLY, some chucklefuck brought back twelve breeding pairs of tanuki from Japan, and was breeding them, probably for exotic pets, then apparently fucked off to Wales and just... released them all into the woods nearby.
aaaand now there's a bunch of breeding pairs of wild animals in an environment that's entirely unfamiliar to them, that did not evolve in said environment.
Sure Japan might have places where the weather is similar, but... jfc.
I really hope they can be found and... I HOPE they get rescued and sent back to Japan so they can be safe :( I really hope they don't have to be euthanased.
Poor critters. :<