These include crayfish, frogs, worms, fish, dragonfly larvae, clams, and turtles. In residential areas they rummage through trash cans for food. Raccoons have nimble fingers that allow them to easily turn doorknobs and open refrigerators. They may appear to be washing their food when they are foraging near water. However, they are really using the water to help knead and tear at their food to sort out the parts they do not want to eat.
Raccoons use a den for bearing young, winter sleep, and temporary shelter.
There have been reports of up to 23 raccoons in a single den. However, when communal denning occurs, there is only one adult male present. Males often travel miles in search of a mate. After mating, the male remains with the female for about one week before leaving to seek another mate. The young are born in the spring and open their eyes when they are about 3 weeks old.