Raccoons depend on wetland and aquatic habitats for a large portion of their food and are seldom found far from water. FOOD Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. When food is plentiful, plant matter is consumed twice as much as animal matter. However, this ratio varies as food supplies change. Raccoons are voracious eaters and tend to return to the same location as long as food is available.
Raccoons store fat throughout the fall in preparation for overwintering.
Raccoons are not true hibernators, but may sleep for extended periods in colder areas. Plant and animal foods of raccoons. Both ground dens and cavity trees are used for shelter and escape, but den trees are preferred for raising young. Suitable ground dens include old woodchuck or fox burrows, rock crevices, downed trees, abandoned buildings, and brush piles. Active den trees can be identified by claw marks or worn bark.