DNA metabarcoding is a sensitive method which also enables us to detect a possible parasitic infection. In this way, we can monitor the health of animal populations, as well as the spread of their pathogens.

The analysis of the faeces shows that the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an incredibly opportunistic omnivore, willing to eat absolutely ANYTHING it is able to find. Among other things, our analysis found plants, mushrooms, snails, mussels, small crabs, aquatic insect larvae, bird eggs, turtles, and even cattle. The latter probably came from household waste in which the raccoon found remains of meat to eat.