German media highlighted a raccoon that appeared in a drunken state near a Christmas market in the city of Erfurt. The animal appeared as it slowly crossed the tram tracks in the city center, without paying attention to the passers-by who stopped to photograph it. The animal remained torn between states of lethargy and stillness and then walked slowly until members of the city fire department arrived and detained it in a small cage. An eyewitness said the animal appeared to be in a state of poisoning or "drunk." A city official said that the authorities were forced to kill the animal after they suspected that it was infected with rabies, which could pose a threat to the lives of residents if it was released. Read also: Watch: A chimpanzee washes clothes in a zoo in China Watch: Raccoons invade an American library