R accoons are one of the few animals that can climb down a tree headfirst. During the winter, raccoons may sleep for several days or more than a month, but they do not hibernate. They may be active during mild spells, but they do not need to eat because raccoons metabolize the fat reserves stored in their bodies. About one-third of their body weight is fat tissue. Their diet includes grapes, nuts, berries, black cherries, grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, small mammals, bird eggs, and nestlings.
Transmission occurs through the nematode's tiny eggs, which are found in soil and raccoon feces.
In recent years, raccoons have been frequent carriers of rabies. This is especially true in the eastern United States. Because raccoons are potential carriers of serious illnesses, they should not be encouraged to feed near human dwellings. Methods of hunting and foraging Raccoons spend much of their time foraging along streams for aquatic prey. These include crayfish, frogs, worms, fish, dragonfly larvae, clams, and turtles.