Streams, rivers, ponds, and lakeshores provide good areas for raccoons to search for food. The distance an animal travels each night varies with weather conditions, food availability, and its sex and age. During most of the year, adult males occupy an area about 1 mile in diameter. They may travel farther during the breeding season while searching for mates. Raccoons tagged and released in strange surroundings have moved as far as 75 miles.
Raccoons spend much of their time on the ground during summer.
On sunny fall and winter days, they may rest on tree limbs or other elevated sunning spots. Dens provide safety and protection from the elements. Several dens may be used at different times by the same animal. Tree cavities are a common choice, but deserted woodchuck burrows, haystacks, storm sewers, and even attics will do. Adults seem to prefer solitary lives, but may share their dens during severe winter weather, when populations are high, or in areas where food is concentrated.