Raccoons are opportunistic feeders taking whatever is available. Fruits, berries, acorns, insects, fish, mollusks, grasshoppers, mice, birds, snakes, eggs and crayfish make up the bulk of their diet. They also feed on corn, sorghum and other cultivated farm crops. Usually, three or four young are born after a gestation period of 63 days. The young are weaned from 2 to 4 months of age, although many stay with the female until the following spring.
Raccoons are intelligent and can adapt readily to living in close association with people.
They are common in urban areas, but since most of their foraging is done at night, they often go undetected. In urban communities, raccoons live virtually any place that offers protection. Attics, chimneys, under houses and woodpiles are the most common sites. Since raccoons are omnivorous, there is a wide variety of food available to them in urban areas. Dog and cat food, fruit on trees, vegetables in home gardens and trash can garbage supply an easy meal.