Raccoons thrive in a variety of natural environments due to their diverse diets. In the wild, raccoons eat birds and other mammals, but they prefer to hunt for easier meals if they are available. Some of their favorite foods include nuts, berries, insects, and eggs. They also catch fish, shellfish, reptiles, and amphibians if their denning site is near a body of water.
Their regular meals depend largely on where they live. For raccoons that live in residential areas, that means foraging for food in trash cans, gardens, and even inside homes and other buildings. The animals are notorious for picking through garbage bins and landfills, making messes and earning their status as pests.