The number of raccoons caught in the capital every year has increased fivefold over the past decade, according to media reports, amid concern about the damage the animals are inflicting on the local ecosystem.

Municipalities in western Tokyo have responded by setting traps and launching hotlines for residents who spot cop damage or witness the animals entering their homes.

The omnivores are not native to Japan, where they are one of 156 species on an environment ministry list of invasive alien creatures that also includes black bass, fire ants, and snapping turtles.