Raccoons are most abundant near water, especially in bottomland forests along streams, hardwood swamps, flooded areas around reservoirs, marshes, and mangrove swamps. Home range - There is great variation in the home range sizes reported for raccoons. Most of the home range diameters fall between 0.6 and 1. Adult males generally have larger home ranges than adult females, and may temporarily expand their ranges to visit several females during the mating period. Females greatly restrict their movements during the first few weeks after their litters are born, and juveniles occupy their mother's home range for at least the first few months after leaving the den.
Winter dens - The most commonly used winter dens are in hollow trees.
Tree dens may be in any hollow limb or trunk of sufficient size. In many areas, hollow trees are the most popular choice. Underground burrows are also used. In marshes, swamps, and open fields the most common resting site is on the ground in herbaceous vegetation. Raccoons are omnivorous.