They are notorious for raiding garbage cans and can be easily trained to accept handouts from humans. In nature, raccoons normally live near water and obtain a significant percentage of their food from water. Crayfish are a favorite natural food. When hunting in water, raccoons search for food primarily by touch. Their hand-like front paws are very sensitive and can easily distinguish objects by feel.
Raccoons are able to adapt to life in close proximity to human habitations.
In fact, human food scraps and agricultural practices may actually enhance the habitat for raccoons. It is estimated that 10,000 raccoons live in Buncombe County. Young raccoons are occasionally kept as pets, and are exceedingly curious and playful. As they mature, however, they become difficult, even dangerous, to handle. The natural diet of the raccoon varies with the seasons.