Captive raccoons are fond of softening their food in water, but do not always do so. They often use their front feet to locate food by touch, and wetting their paws may increase their sensitivity. Few raccoons live past 3-4 years of age. The oldest raccoon found in a study conducted in west-central Illinois was 11 years of age. Foods Raccoons eat a wide variety of plants and animals.
Corn is an important food during fall and winter in rural areas.
Bird food, pet food, and table scraps discarded by people are mainstays in urban areas. Animal foods include insects and crayfish and, to a lesser extent, snails, earthworms, clams, birds, fishes, frogs, and small mammals. Many of these food items are obtained while hunting in shallow pools, overturning rocks, digging into rotten logs, or coming upon a bird nest or unexpecting animal. Reproduction Raccoons usually breed with several different mates. Breeding peaks in February, but can occur from January through March.