The Raccoon Strikes Back! PETA US Unveils Limited-Edition Erling Haaland Halloween Costume

London — Following the viral image of Norwegian soccer star Erling Haaland carrying a taxidermied raccoon he purchased in Dallas, PETA US is letting the raccoon get the last laugh—and reminding everyone that wild animals belong in nature, not on display—with a new limited-edition “The Raccoon Strikes Back” Halloween costume. Available now for preorder in the PETA US Shop, the costume includes a Viking helmet, a football jersey, and an Erling Haaland mask featuring a raccoon lopping off the Manchester City striker’s famous man bun. All proceeds will benefit PETA US’s lifesaving work.

“Haaland may be a terror for goalkeepers, but this tongue-in-cheek costume is a reminder not to be one for animals, too,” says PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk. “Raccoons are feeling individuals, not décor, and this Halloween, animal defenders can score one for wildlife and encourage everyone to send tasteless taxidermy packing.”

Raccoons are highly intelligent and curious animals known for solving puzzles simply for the challenge. Mother raccoons devote months to nurturing and protecting their young, teaching them the skills they’ll need to survive on their own. Raccoons and other wild animals who end up with a taxidermist—including those killed by hunters—often suffer violent deaths before they’re gutted, stuffed, and treated with chemicals for display.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that when it comes to the ability to feel pain, hunger, and thirst, a raccoon is a dog is a boy. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk or follow PETA on Facebook, X, TikTok, or Instagram.

Contact:

Lucy Watson +44 (0) 20 7837 6327; [email protected]

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