Racoons are being served up at an east German restaurant. They are said to go well with dumplings and Brussels sprouts

A restaurant in eastern Germany has started frying up racoons and serving them with dumplings and Brussels sprouts in a novel response to the rapid spread of the invasive species.

Ute Franke, 55, who runs the Schnaudertal restaurant in Meuselwitz, south of Leipzig, had the idea after one tried to get through the kitchen cat flap.

A friend set up a trap and caught one within days. He shot it and they decided to eat it after having the meat checked for roundworm, which is required by law. “It tastes a bit like wild boar but has a harder, more bitter taste,” Ms Franke said. She has served it twice on special occasions to guests who wanted to find out more about the meat. For