| Raccoon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Common Name | Common Raccoon, North American Raccoon, Northern Raccoon |
| Range | North America |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Procyonidae |
| Genus | Procyon |
| Species | Procyon lotor |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
Description[]
The raccoon (Procyon lotor), sometimes called the common raccoon to distinguish it from other species, is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family. Three of the raccoon's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws, its facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are themes in the mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas relating to the animal. The raccoon is noted for its intelligence, being able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years.
Appearance[]
Raccoons are medium-sized, bear-like mammals best known for their black facial mask and bushy, ringed tail. Their fur varies in color from gray to reddish-brown, and their forepaws resemble human hands, making them highly dexterous. Each paw has five flexible toes that help them grasp and manipulate objects. Raccoons are excellent climbers and can descend trees headfirst or backward.
They are stocky in build, typically weighing 6 to 7 kg, though weight can range from 1.8 to 10.4 kg, especially in colder regions where they store fat. Males are usually 10–30% heavier than females. Their body length ranges from 60 to 95 cm, with the tail making up about 40–50% of that length.
Distribution[]
Raccoons are native to North America, living throughout most of the United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and parts of northern South America. In the 20th century, they were introduced to other regions and are now also found in Germany, Russia, and Japan.
Highly adaptable, raccoons live in a wide variety of habitats—from cold grasslands to tropical regions. They prefer moist woodlands near water but also thrive in farmland, suburbs, and cities. Raccoons usually make dens in trees, but they also use burrows, caves, abandoned buildings, garages, and even sewers.
Behavior[]
Raccoons are mostly nocturnal, spending the night foraging and the day resting in dens. Though once thought to be solitary, raccoons show some social behavior—related females may share territories, and unrelated males sometimes form small groups to defend territory during mating season.
Raccoons are very adaptable and don’t travel far—usually just enough to find food. Home ranges vary, averaging 65 hectares for males and 39 hectares for females, though they can be larger or smaller depending on habitat and food availability. Raccoons do not hibernate, but in cold winters, they may sleep in dens for weeks, living off stored fat.
They are excellent climbers, capable of falling 35–40 feet without injury, and strong but reluctant swimmers, since their fur isn't waterproof. Their forepaws are highly sensitive and dexterous, helping them manipulate objects and food.
Raccoons are vocal, communicating with hisses, growls, screams, snarls, and whistles. They also rely on touch and hearing, and have excellent night vision.
Lifespan in the wild is usually short—most raccoons don’t survive past 2 years, though they can live up to 16 years. In captivity, some have reached over 20 years. Main threats include cars, hunting, malnutrition, and predators like coyotes, wolves, large birds of prey, and snakes (which may take young raccoons).
Diet[]
Raccoons are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, eating a wide variety of foods depending on what’s available in their habitat. Their diet often includes fruits, nuts, berries, plants, insects, crayfish, frogs, rodents, fish, and bird eggs. In some areas, corn or acorns can be a major part of their diet.
Most of what they eat is invertebrates and plant material, but raccoons also eat carrion and will even scavenge trash in urban environments. In cities and suburbs, they’re known for raiding garbage cans and eating pet food.
Raccoons often travel directly between dens and rich food sources, saving energy as they forage.
Reproduction[]
Raccoons are promiscuous, meaning both males and females may have multiple mates. The breeding season runs from February to June, with most mating happening in March. Raccoons in the north usually breed earlier than those in the south. During this time, males often expand their home ranges to include more potential mates. After mating, males and females do not stay together.
After a gestation period of about 63–65 days, females give birth to 3 to 7 young, typically around 4 to 5. The babies, called kits or cubs, are born blind and helpless in a tree den. Their eyes open at about 2 to 3 weeks, and they are weaned around 70 days. By about 5 months old, they begin foraging at night with their mother.
The young stay with their mother through their first winter and become independent in spring. Female juveniles often remain near their mother’s home range, while males may travel over 20 km (12 mi) away. Most females breed at 1 year, while males mature around 2 years old.
Population[]
Threats[]
Raccoons have few predators but can be attacked by cougars, coyotes, and bobcats. Disease, infection, and cars accidents are the primary threats.
Number[]
No overall population estimate is available for raccoons. According to IUCN, this species is generally quite common in North and Central America with an increasing population trend. The estimated population in the Caucasus region is about 20,000 animals. In Germany, in 2012 the estimated number is more than a million. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing.
Ecological niche[]
Raccoons help control the populations of the animals they eat. In areas where they mainly feed on a single type of prey—such as crayfish, insects, or clams—they can have a strong impact on that population and even affect the overall community balance in the ecosystem.
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
The raccoon is a close relative of the bear family, though its scientific name means "washer dog" (Procyon lotor).
Raccoons are smarter than cats but less smart than monkeys.
Christopher Columbus wrote about raccoons and is the first person known to do so.
A raccoon can rotate its hind feet 180 degrees to enable it to climb down headfirst from trees.
"Raccoon," from the Algonquin Indian "arakun," has the meaning "he scratches with hands".
A raccoon washes its food before eating it. If there is no water, it will rub off the debris.
A baby raccoon will tweet like a bird or whine, and chatter when it is hungry or cold, or misses contact with a warm body.
Raccoons will avoid eating tomatoes, due to the high acidic content.
In Japan, following the success of Rascal the Raccoon, an anime series from 1977, up to 1,500 of the animals were imported for pets, some of them escaped and formed a stable wild population.