Raccoons - Living with Wildlife | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Raccoons For more information on the Living With Wildlife series, contact the WDFW Wildlife Program 360-902-2515 Print Version Figure 1. Because raccoons manipulate and moisten food items in water, there is a misconception that raccoons “wash” their food before eating it. However, when water is not available, raccoons use many of the same motions in handling food. (Photo by Ginger Holser) • The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a native mammal, measuring about 3 feet long, including its 12-inch, bushy, ringed tail. Because their hind legs are longer than the front legs, raccoons have a hunched appearance when they walk or run. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items (Fig. 1). Raccoons prefer forest areas near a stream or water source, but have adapted to various environments throughout Washington. Raccoon populations can get quite large in urban areas, owing to hunting and trapping restrictions, few predators, and human-supplied food.

Adult raccoons weigh 15 to 40 pounds, their weight being a result of genetics, age, available food, and habitat location. Males have weighed in at over 60 pounds. A raccoon in the wild will probably weigh less than the urbanized raccoon that has learned to live on handouts, pet food, and garbage-can leftovers. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Facts about Washington Raccoons Food and Feeding Habitats Raccoons will eat almost anything, but are particularly fond of creatures found in water—clams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails. Raccoons also eat insects, slugs, dead animals, birds and bird eggs, as well as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Around humans, raccoons often eat garbage and pet food. Although not great hunters, raccoons can catch young gophers, squirrels, mice, and rats. Except during the breeding season and for females with young, raccoons are solitary. Individuals will eat together if a large amount of food is available in an area.

Den Sites and Resting Sites Dens are used for shelter and raising young. They include abandoned burrows dug by other mammals, areas in or under large rock piles and brush piles, hollow logs, and holes in trees. Den sites also include wood duck nest-boxes, attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and abandoned vehicles. In urban areas, raccoons normally use den sites as daytime rest sites. In wooded areas, they often rest in trees. Raccoons generally move to different den or daytime rest site every few days and do not follow a predictable pattern. Only a female with young or an animal “holed up” during a cold spell will use the same den for any length of time. Several raccoons may den together during winter storms. Reproduction and Home Range Raccoons pair up only during the breeding season, and mating occurs as early as January to as late as June. The peak mating period is March to April. After a 65-day gestation period, two to three kits are born. The kits remain in the den until they are about seven weeks old, at which time they can walk, run, climb, and begin to occupy alternate dens.

At eight to ten weeks of age, the young regularly accompany their mother outside the den and forage for them selves. By 12 weeks, the kits roam on their own for several nights before returning to their mother. The kits remain with their mother in her home range through winter, and in early spring seek out their own territories. The size of a raccoon’s home range as well as its nightly hunting area varies greatly depending on the habitat and food supply. Home range diameters of 1 mile are known to occur in urban areas. Mortality and Longevity Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. Young raccoons are the main victims of starvation, since they have very little fat reserves to draw from during food shortages in late winter and early spring. Raccoon predators include cougars, bobcats, coyotes, and domestic dogs. Large owls and eagles will prey on young raccoons. The average life span of a raccoon in the wild is 2 to 3 years; captive raccoons have lived 13. Viewing Raccoons Raccoons can be seen throughout the year, except during extremely cold periods.

Usually observed at night, they are occasionally seen during the day eating or napping in a tree or searching elsewhere for food. Coastal raccoons take advantage of low tides and are seen foraging on shellfish and other food by day. Trails Raccoons use trails made by other wildlife or humans next to creeks, ravines, ponds, and other water sources. Raccoons often use culverts as a safe way to cross under roads. With a marsh on one side of the road and woods on the other, a culvert becomes their chief route back and forth. Look for raccoon tracks in sand, mud, or soft soil at either end of the culvert. In developed areas, raccoon travel along fences, next to buildings, and near food sources. Figure 2. The rear foot of a raccoon shows the “heel” and looks like a small human footprint. Both front and back feet have five toes. The front prints have shorter heel marks and are 2 to 3 inches long; the hind tracks are 3 to 4 inches long.

(From Pandell and Stall, Animal Tracks of the Pacific Northwest.) Tracks, Scratch Marks, and Similar Signs Look for tracks in sand, mud, or soft soil, also on deck railings, fire escapes, and other surfaces that raccoons use to gain access to structures (Fig. 2). Tracks may appear as smudge marks on the side of a house where a raccoon shimmies up and down a downspout or utility pipe. Sharp, nonretractable claws and long digits make raccoons good climbers. Like squirrels, raccoons can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees and descend trees headfirst. (Cats’ claws don’t rotate and they have to back down trees.) Look for scratch marks on trees and other structures that raccoons climb. Look for wear marks, body oil, and hairs on wood and other rough surfaces, particularly around the edges of den entrances. The den’s entrance hole is usually at least 4 inches high and 6 inches wide. Droppings Raccoon droppings are crumbly, flat-ended, and can contain a variety of food items. The length is 3 to 5 inches, but this is usually broken into segments.

The diameter is about the size of the end of your little finger. Raccoons leave droppings on logs, at the base of trees, and on roofs (raccoons defecate before climbing trees and entering structures). Raccoons create toilet areas—inside and outside structures—away from the nesting area. House cats have similar habits. Note: Raccoon droppings may carry a parasite that can be fatal to humans. Do not handle or smell raccoon droppings and wash your hands if you touch any. (See " Public Health Concerns " ) Calls Raccoons make several types of noises, including a purr, a chittering sound, and various growls, snarls, and snorts. Raccoons —Too Close for Comfort If a raccoon ever approaches too closely, make yourself appear larger: stand up if sitting, shout, and wave your arms. If necessary, throw stones or send the raccoon off with a dousing of water from a hose or bucket. If a raccoon continues to act aggressively or strangely (circling, staggering as if drunk or disoriented, or shows unnatural tameness) it may be sick or injured.

In such a case, call a wildlife rehabilitator (see Wildlife Rehabilitators and Wildlife Rehabilitation ) or your WDFW Regional Office . If aggressive raccoons are routinely seen in your area, prepare your children for a possible encounter. Explain the reasons why raccoons live there (habitat, food sources, species adaptability) and what they should do if one approaches them. By shouting a set phrase such as “Go away raccoon!” when they encounter one, instead of a general scream, children will inform nearby adults of the raccoon’s presence. Demonstrate and rehearse encounter behavior with the children. If a raccoon finds its way into your house, stay calm, close surrounding interior doors, leave the room, and let the animal find its way back out through the open door, window, or pet door. If necessary, gently use a broom to corral the raccoon outside. (Do not corner a raccoon, thereby forcing it to defend itself.) Preventing Conflicts A raccoon’s search for food may lead it to a vegetable garden, fish pond, garbage can, or chicken coop. Its search for a den site may lead it to an attic, chimney, or crawl space.

The most effective way to prevent conflicts is to modify the habitat around your home so as not to attract raccoons. Recommendations on how to do this are given below: Don’t feed raccoons. Feeding raccoons may create undesirable situations for you, your children, neighbors, pets, and the raccoons themselves. Raccoons that are fed by people often lose their fear of humans and may become aggressive when not fed as expected. Artificial feeding also tends to concentrate raccoons in a small area; overcrowding can spread diseases and parasites. Finally, these hungry visitors might approach a neighbor who doesn’t share your appreciation of the animals. The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. Don’t give raccoons access to garbage. Keep your garbage can lid on tight by securing it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. Better yet, buy garbage cans with clamps or other mechanisms that hold lids on. To prevent tipping, secure side handles to metal or wooden stakes driven into the ground. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. Put garbage cans out for pickup in the morning, after raccoons have returned to their resting areas.

Feed dogs and cats indoors and keep them in at night. If you must feed your pets outside, do so in late morning or at midday, and pick up food, water bowls, leftovers, and spilled food well before dark every day. Keep pets indoors at night. If cornered, raccoons may attack dogs and cats. Bite wounds from raccoons can result in fractures and disease transmission. Prevent raccoons from entering pet doors. Keep indoor pet food and any other food away from a pet door. Lock the pet door at night. If it is necessary to have it remain open, put an electronically activated opener on your pet’s collar. Note: Floodlights or motion detector lights placed above the pet door to scare raccoons are not long-term solutions. Put food in secure compost containers and clean up barbecue areas. Don’t put food of any kind in open compost piles; instead, use a securely covered compost structure or a commercially available raccoon-proof composter to prevent attracting raccoons and getting exposed to their droppings. A covered worm box is another alternative. If burying food scraps, cover them with at least 8 inches of soil and don’t leave any garbage above ground in the area—including the stinky shovel.

Placing a wire mesh barrier that is held in place with a heavy object over the in-ground compost will prevent problems. Clean barbecue grills and grease traps thoroughly following each use. Eliminate access to denning sites. Raccoons commonly use chimneys, attics, and spaces under houses, porches, and sheds as den sites. Close any potential entries with ¼-inch mesh hardware cloth, boards, or metal flashing. Make all connections flush and secure to keep mice, rats, and other mammals out. Make sure you don’t trap an animal inside when you seal off a potential entry (see Evicting Animals from Buildings ). For information on securing chimneys, see " Raccoons in Dumpsters and Down Chimneys ". Click to enlarge Figure 3. Raccoon access to rooftops can be eliminated by installing sheets of aluminum flashing, at least 3 feet square, around the corners of buildings. Figure 4. Commercially available metal or plastic spikes can help keep raccoons off of buildings. (Drawings by Jenifer Rees.) Prevent raccoons from accessing rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners of buildings (Fig. 3).

Commercial products that prevent climbing are available from farm supply centers and bird-control supply companies on the Internet (Fig. 4). Remove vegetation on buildings, such as English ivy, which provide raccoons a way to climb structures and hide their access point inside. Raccoons in Dumpsters and Down Chimneys Raccoons are enticed by the food smells in dumpsters. When the lids are open they climb in and can’t climb the slippery sides to get out. To help them escape, put a strong branch or board in the dumpster for the raccoons to climb out on. If your disposal company leaves dumpster lids open, install a sign telling employees that it’s vital to keep the lid closed so animals don’t get trapped inside. Consider installing a totally enclosed trash-compacting dumpster. The trash is deposited in the front and regularly compacted. In spring and summer, a female raccoon may be enticed into the dark, quiet, and secure environment of your chimney for a nesting place. If you hear a large animal on the roof, or growls and whines coming from the chimney at night, there is probably a raccoon family inside. Using a powerful flashlight during the day, look for a raccoon down the chimney.

(If spider webs are strung across the inside, you can be reasonably sure that no animal is using the chimney.) The easiest solution to removing raccoons from a chimney is to wait for them to move on their own. After eight to ten weeks the female and young will leave and not return. If raccoons need to be evicted, do not smoke them out and do not pour anything, including naphtha flakes or mothballs, down the chimney. Adult raccoons can easily climb out of a chimney, but the babies can’t. The concentrated vapors can also damage the infant raccoons’ mucous membranes and make an adult raccoon extremely agitated while attempting to flee from the vapors. Instead, harass the adult female using the following methods until being there is no longer worth her effort. She will move her young to an alternate den, one by one, holding them by the back of the neck in her mouth. Note: Any time you try to evict any mother animal, there is a chance that she may leave some or all of the babies behind. To encourage the female raccoon to leave: 1. Keep the chimney damper closed and put a loud radio tuned to a talk station in the fireplace.

2.With a short broomstick, pole, or board, bang on the underside of the damper as frequently as possible. 3.Wearing gloves, sprinkle coyote urine or raccoon eviction fluid (available from farm supply centers, hunting stores, and the Internet) on a rag and wedge it in above the damper. If none of these natural repellents are available, place a bowl containing a cup of ammonia on a footstool just under the damper. If needed, open the damper 1/8-inch. Most dampers are not airtight. Keep what deterrents you can in place 24 hours a day during a period of mild weather, and give the raccoons two to three nights to move out. On the night of departure there may be a lot of racket caused by the female raccoon’s frequent climbing up and down the chimney as she retrieves her young. Figure 5. A commercially available chimney cap will prevent raccoons and other small animals from entering the chimney. (Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) In urban areas, harassment techniques may not work owing to raccoons’ familiarity with humans.

In such cases, call a wildlife damage control company and have them assess the situation (see Hiring a Wildlife Damage Control Company ). To make sure the eviction process was successful, shine a powerful flashlight down the chimney during the day and look for raccoons. Tap the chimney with a hard object and listen for any sounds of movement. If a young raccoon is left behind, it may be that the mother has abandoned it. In these rare cases it is best to hire a wildlife damage control company to remove the animal. Once the raccoons are gone, promptly call a professional chimney sweep to remove any debris and to install a commercially designed and engineered chimney cap (homemade caps are often unsafe and may be a fire hazard). You can still have fires in your fireplace; however, the “cap” will keep raccoons and other wildlife out (Fig. 5). Enclose poultry (chickens, ducks, and turkeys) in a secure outdoor pen and house. Raccoons will eat poultry and their eggs if they can get to them.

Signs of raccoon predation include the birds’ heads bitten off and left some distance away, only the bird’s crop being eaten, stuck birds pulled half-way through a fence, and nests in severe disarray. Note: Other killers of poultry include coyotes, foxes, skunks, feral cats, dogs, bobcats, opossums, weasels, eagles, hawks, owls, other poultry, and disease. If a dead bird is found with no apparent injuries, skinning it may determine what killed it. If the carcass is patterned by red spots where pointed teeth have bruised the flesh but not broken the skin, the bird was probably “played with” by one or more dogs until it died. Figure 6. Install two electrified wires, 12 and 18 inches above ground and onto existing fence posts, poultry pen supports, and other structures, using the proper insulators. A single strand of wire may be sufficient, but two wires will provide added insurance against the animal making the climb. Run one or two electrified wires toward the top of the fence to prevent bobcats and other species from jumping the lower hot wires and making the climb.

(Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night roosts, equip poultry houses with well-fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms. A raccoon’s dexterous paws make it possible for it to open various types of fasteners, latches, and containers. To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing poultry during the day, completely enclose outdoor pens with 1-inch chicken wire placed over a sturdy wooden framework. Overlap and securely wire all seams on top to prevent raccoons from forcing their way in by using their weight and claws. To prevent raccoons from reaching in at ground level, surround the bottom 18 inches of the pen with smaller-mesh wire. See Figures 3, 4, 6 for examples of how to prevent raccoons from climbing enclosures. (See " Preventing Conflicts " in Skunks for examples of how to prevent raccoons from digging into enclosures.) Fence orchards and vegetable gardens. Raccoons can easily climb wood or wire fences, or bypass them by using overhanging limbs of trees or shrubs.

See Figures 6 and 8 for examples of ways to prevent raccoons from climbing fences and accessing crops at ground level. Wire fences will need to have a mesh size that is no wider than 3 inches to keep young raccoons out. (See " Electric Fences " in Deer for additional information.) Protect fruit trees, bird feeders, and nest boxes. To prevent raccoons from climbing fruit trees, poles, and other vertical structures, install a metal or heavy plastic barrier (Fig. 7). Twenty-four-inch long aluminum or galvanized vent-pipe, available at most hardware stores, can serve as a premade barrier around a narrow support. (See Tree Squirrels for more examples.) Note: Raccoons will attempt to use surrounding trees or structures as an avenue to access the area above the barrier. Alternatively, a funnel-shaped piece of aluminum flashing can be fitted around the tree or other vertical structure. The outside edge of the flared metal should be a minimum of 18 inches away from the support. Cut the material with tin snips and file down any sharp edges. Figure 7. A raccoon guard can be secured around trees, pipes, posts, and other structures to keep raccoons from climbing.

It can be made from a piece of aluminum flashing or sheet metal, held together with wire, nails, or screws, and painted to blend in. (Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Regularly pick up fallen birdseed and fruit to prevent attracting raccoons. Discourage raccoons from disturbing pond plants and other aquatic life. Raccoons are attracted to ponds because they associate them with a food source. While a motion-activated light or sprinkler, or your shouting may scare off a raccoon, this is usually temporary. A raccoon, especially an urban raccoon, may run away the first night, walk away the second night, but, if there’s no additional deterrent, by the third or fourth night the animal will be back with the light shining brightly or the sprinkler sprinkling strongly. Always give fish a safe place to hide by constructing hiding places on the bottom of the pond. Use cinder blocks, ceramic drain tile, wire baskets, or upside-down plastic crates held in place with heavy rocks. To prevent raccoons from disturbing aquatic plants in containers, use containers that are too heavy or wide for raccoons to overturn. Securing chicken wire over the top of the containers will prevent raccoons from disturbing the soil inside.

Although it’s awkward looking, small ponds can be completely covered with a barrier that can be left on permanently or removed daily. Since raccoons are most active after dark, be sure the pond is covered at night. Examples of barriers include one-inch mesh chicken wire laid over the surface and held in place with stakes—raccoons will walk on the barrier and try and go under it. (While black bird-netting is less conspicuous, raccoons and other animals can easily get entangled in it.) A wooden or PVC pipe frame covered with wire mesh can also be built to cover the pond. Maneuvering over pond plants with any of the above can be difficult. An alternative frame can be constructed from heavy plastic lattice available from home improvement centers. Carefully cut the lattice so it fits in the pond; cut out pieces to accommodate any pond plants. Cover the lattice with bird netting (with the solid backing, animals are less likely to become entangled in the netting). The netting can be glued to the lattice using Shoe Goo® or other waterproof glue. For larger ponds, stake 2-foot wide strips of chicken wire flat around the inside of the pond edge where raccoons are entering.

(Cut the wire as needed to match the curvature of the pond.) Raccoons will have difficulty reaching over the wire, and will tend to not stand on it because of its instability. To camouflage and extend the life of the wire, spray it with dark-colored automobile undercoat paint or other rustproof paint. Figure 8. Install two electrified wires, 6 and 12 inches above ground around field crops and other areas needing protection. The fence can be hooked up to a switch for discretionary use; when you want to work near it, turn the system off. Where the fence presents a safety problem, install signs, short pieces of white cloth, or other material on the wire for visibility. (Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Ponds with steep, 2-foot high side walls discourage raccoons from entering the water, but may be a safety hazard for small children and the elderly. These hazardous areas can be located away from paths and/or be heavily buffered with dense growths of tall marginal plants and shrubs. Two electrified wires, 6 and 12 inches above ground and just back from the water’s edge will deter raccoons.

A single strand of wire may be sufficient, but two wires will provide added insurance against the animal making the climb. The wires can be hooked up to a switch for discretionary use; when you want to work near the wire, turn the system off. Where the barrier presents a safety problem, attach signs, short pieces of white cloth, or other material on the wire for visibility. (See " Electric Fences " in Deer for additional information.) Prevent damage to lawns. Because worms and grubs inhabit areas just under well-watered sod, raccoons (and skunks) are attracted to these food sources. See " Prevent Damage to Lawns " in Skunks for ways to prevent conflicts. Trapping Raccoons Trapping and relocating a raccoon several miles away seems an appealing method of resolving a conflict because it is perceived as giving the “problem animal” a second chance in a new home. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is quite different. Raccoons typically try to return to their original territories, often getting hit by a car or killed by a predator in the process.

If they remain in the new area, they may get into fights (oftentimes to the death) with resident raccoons for limited food, shelter, or nesting sites. Raccoons may also transmit diseases to rural populations that they have picked up from urban pets. Finally, if a place “in the wild” or an urban green space is perfect for raccoons, raccoons are probably already there. It isn’t fair to the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range. Raccoons used to a particular food source, type of shelter, or human activity will seek out familiar situations and surroundings. People, organizations, or agencies that illegally move raccoons should be willing to assume liability for any damages or injuries caused by these animals. Precisely for these reasons, raccoons posing a threat to human and pet safety should not be relocated. In many cases, moving raccoons will not solve the original problem because other raccoons will replace them and cause similar conflicts. Hence, it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them. Trapping also may not be legal in some urban areas; check with local authorities.

Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases (see " Legal Status "). See Trapping Wildlife for information on trapping raccoons. Lethal Control Lethal control is a last resort and can never be justified without first applying the above-described nonlethal control techniques. Lethal control is rarely a long-term solution since other raccoons are likely to move in if food, water, or shelter remains available. If all efforts to dissuade a problem raccoon fail, the animal may have to be trapped. See Trapping Wildlife for information on trapping raccoons. While shooting can be effective in eliminating a single raccoon, it is generally limited to rural situations. Shooting is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. (See " Legal Status " for important information.) Public Health Concerns A disease that contributes significantly to raccoon mortality is canine distemper. Canine distemper is also a common disease fatal to domestic dogs, foxes, coyotes, mink, otters, weasels, and skunks. It is caused by a virus and is spread most often when animals come in contact with the bodily secretions of animals infected with the disease.

Gloves, cages, and other objects that have come in contact with infected animals can also contain the virus. The best prevention against canine distemper is to have your dogs vaccinated and kept away from raccoons. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. Although rarely documented anywhere in the United States, raccoon roundworm can infect a person who accidentally ingests or inhales the parasite’s eggs. Prevention consists of never touching or inhaling raccoon droppings, using rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning areas (including traps) that have been occupied by raccoons, and keeping young children and pets away from areas where raccoons concentrate. (If washing raccoon droppings from a roof, watch where the liquid matter is going.) Routinely encourage or assist your children to wash their hands after playing outdoors. Unfortunately, raccoon roundworm eggs can remain alive in soil and other places for several months.

If a person is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately scrub the wound with soap and water. Flush the wound liberally with tap water. In other parts of the United States raccoons can carry rabies. Contact your physician and the local health department immediately. If your pet is bitten, follow the same cleansing procedure and contact your veterinarian. Legal Status Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about raccoons change, contact your WDFW Regional Office for updates. The raccoon is classified as both a furbearer and a game animal ( WAC 232-12-007 ). A hunting or trapping license is required to hunt or trap raccoons during an open season. A property owner or the owner’s immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap a raccoon on that property if it is damaging crops or domestic animals ( RCW 77.36.030 ). In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps.

However, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps ( RCW 77.15.192 , 77.15.194 ; WAC 232-12-142 ). It is unlawful to release wildlife anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so ( RCW 77.15.250 ; WAC 232-12-271 ). Except for bona fide public or private zoological parks, persons and entities are prohibited from importing raccoons into Washington State without a permit to do so ( WAC 246-100-191 ). Additional Information Books Conover, Michael. Resolving Human—Wildlife Conflicts: The Science of Wildlife Damage Management. Boca Raton, FL: Lewis Publishers, 2002. Hygnstrom, Scott E., et al. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1994.

(Available from: University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, 202 Natural Resources Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0819; phone: 402-472-2188; also see Internet Sites below.) Link, Russell. Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle: University of Washington Press and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1999. Maser, Chris. Mammals of the Pacific Northwest: From the Coast to the High Cascades. Corvalis: Oregon State University Press, 1998. Verts, B. J., and Leslie N. Carraway. Land Mammals of Oregon. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1998. Internet Resources Facts about Raccoons | Raccoon Facts | Havahart® Average Size: 12" tall; 24-38" long; 14-23 lbs. Average Lifespan in the Wild: 2-3 years Identifying Features: Gray fur with a black mask and 4-7 black rings around its tail; pointy snout with a black nose; dexterous front paws.

Raccoon Geography Raccoons are natively found throughout most of North America. Recently, raccoons have emerged in parts of Europe and Japan. Raccoon Habitat Traditionally, raccoons prefer heavily wooded areas with access to trees, water and abundant vegetation. There, they make their dens in the hollow parts of trees as well as abandoned burrows, traveling up to 18 miles to forage for food. Raccoons are extremely adaptable. They are often found in suburban and urban areas, making their homes in man-made structures like attics, sewers, barns and sheds. In urban areas, raccoons tend to stay closer to their dens with a range of only about 1 mile, depending on their age and sex. Raccoon Diet Raccoons are omnivores with an opportunistic diet; eating almost anything they can get their paws on. In urban areas, where wildlife and fresh vegetation are limited, raccoons will be more likely to eat human food and invade trashcans. The majority of their diet consists of sweet foods like fruits and invertebrates. Some favorite foods include: Raccoon Behavior Activity: Nocturnal in nature, raccoons are mostly active at nighttime.

They are most active in spring, summer and fall, and will sleep in their dens for most of the winter. Reproduction: Reproduction begins in late winter. Females, or sows, usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year. Social Interaction: Raccoons are independent after 12-14 months of age. Adults live in loose knit communities of 4 - 5 raccoons for better protection against predators. Communication: Raccoons communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls. Skills: Raccoons possess amazing dexterity that gives them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles and latches. They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter. Raccoons can be extremely destructive due to their curiosity, intelligence, dexterity and climbing skills. Here are some signs to help identify a raccoon problem: tipped trash cans damaged crops (ex.

chewed sweet corn, hollowed out watermelons) uncapped chimneys raccoon tracks: five long toes and fingers resembling human hands Raccoon Diseases Raccoons can carry several bacterial diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and pets through a bite or the ingestion of raccoon waste. Some diseases that can affect humans and pets include: leptospirosis roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) rabies Although raccoons are notorious for carrying rabies, there has only been one recorded human death from raccoon rabies in the United States. Some signs that a raccoon may have rabies include aggressiveness, unusual vocalization, and excessive drool or foam from the mouth. If you think you may have identified a rabid raccoon, call your local animal control authority immediately. Fun Facts A raccoon will rinse its food in water prior to eating it. When there is no water close by, a raccoon will still rub its food to remove debris. Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark. A group of raccoons is called a nursery.

Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity. Wild Facts Sample - Raccoon Raccoon (Procyon lotor) By Terry A. Messmer, Robert W. Seabloom, Richard D. Crawford, Karen L. Kriel and Ron A. Stromstad. Photos by Ed Bry. Description The raccoon is a stocky medium sized mammal with a broad head, pointed snout and bushy tail. A raccoon is easily recognized by its black mask on a whitish face and the four to seven dark rings on its tail. Its gray to black pelage (fur) consists of long, moderately coarse, white and black banded guard hairs and short, fine, gray or brownish underfur. The belly is lighter colored. Their finger-like toes are long, thin and flexible giving the raccoon amazing dexterity. Adult raccoons weigh from 10 to 30 pounds. Total body length, including the tail, of an adult raccoon measures from 26 to 40 inches. Adult females are usually smaller than adult males.

Young raccoons less than four months old can be aged by measuring the length of the ear and a hindfoot. Adult raccoons can be aged using dental characteristics to include counting annual growth rings in the roots of canine teeth and distinguishing the degree of tooth wear. Total body weight is a convenient indicator of age but is less reliable. Life History Most raccoons in North Dakota mate in early February and March. About 60 percent of the female raccoons breed and produce litters when they are one year old while males typically do not breed until their second year. Raccoons do not form pair bonds. A male raccoon will typically associate and mate with several females each spring. The gestation period for raccoons is about 63 days with a litter averaging four to six young being born during April or May in a den prepared by the female. Raccoons seem to prefer hollow trees and logs as dens hut often use abandoned ground burrows of other animals for raising their young as well as for sleeping during the coldest part of the winter months. The female will occupy the den where her litter will be born during the last few days before giving birth.

Raccoons are born with their eyes closed and are covered with hair, although the mask and tail rings are represented only by sparsely haired skin. The mask and tail rings become fully haired in two weeks. When about two months old, the young begin accompanying the mother as she hunts for food. Young raccoons often remain with their mother throughout the year. Young males disperse from the area of their birth den at about one year old and may move several miles before establishing an area of their own. The size of this area (home range) in raccoons may vary according to differences in sex, age, population levels habitat quality and season. In North Dakota, individual raccoons will occupy home range from less than one up to 18 square miles. Adult males usually occupy the largest areas and there is usually much overlap in the home ranges of adult males and females. There is much variation in raccoons' daily activity patterns both by individuals and by season. Raccoons arc typically active from about sunset to sunrise. Although raccoons are not considered to hibernate, families do congregate in winter dens to sleep through severe winter periods.

They prepare for this period of winter sleep by storing fat on their bodies during the late summer and fall. Raccoons have a variety of calls. Their calls include hissing, barks and snorts which are uttered to express fear or as threat. In addition to these calls, raccoons may growl snarl and squeal. Although some raccoons have lived up to 16 years in the wild, research indicates that the average life span is about three to four years. The principal causes of mortality in raccoons are man, predators, malnutrition and subsequently diseases such as canine distemper and rabies. The list of reported raccoon predators in North Dakota includes bobcats, coyotes, foxes and great horned owls. Habitat and Food The raccoon prefers wooded or brushy areas along lakes and streams but also thrives in farming areas where there are numerous wetlands. Raccoons prefer buildings and hollow trees for their dens hut will also use rock crevices, ground burrows, junk and rock piles as den sites. The raccoon is an omnivore and thus eats a wide variety of foods.

Preferred foods in North Dakota include grains insects, small mammals, eggs and young waterfowl, upland game and domestic poultry, crayfish and berries. The raccoon is widely known for its habit of "washing" food in water. In fact, its species name "lotor" means washer. Actually, raccoons do not always dunk their food, even when near water, and will not hesitate to eat when water is not nearby. Many theories have been proposed to explain this strange habit, but so far, raccoons are the only ones that are sure why they "wash" their food. North Dakota Populations The raccoon is found throughout North Dakota but is most abundant in the eastern half of the state. The raccoon has benefited from agricultural development and is more numerous and widely distributed now than in the 1800s. Raccoons are considered a furbearer in North Dakota and as such are hunted and trapped for recreation and their pelts. Occasionally raccoons are accused of causing agricultural damage. Most of this damage is restricted to gardens, orchards, cornfields, melon patches and chicken yards. In addition, raccoons are sometimes regarded as serious threats to wood duck nesting.

The use of electric fences to prevent this excellent climber from gaining access will eliminate most problems. Click TRACKS to view a picture (15K) of the tracks made by a raccoon. Raccoon - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Raccoon Description Raccoons are "well-rounded," often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur. Adults weigh an average of 15 pounds, and are readily identified by alternating rings on the tail and characteristic black "mask." Raccoons are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State. Many people enjoy watching or photographing raccoons. Some people feed them, but this is unnecessary and unwise. Keeping raccoons as pets may be harmful to both humans and raccoons, and is illegal. Distribution and Habitat Raccoons are among the most widespread mammals in New York State. The adaptable raccoon can be found everywhere, from the most remote forest to the crowded inner city. Raccoon populations often are more dense in large cities than in the wild, but abundance varies widely in different types of habitat and different parts of the State. Behavior Raccoons feed mainly at night.

They eat fruit, nuts, berries, small animals and insects, and also will feed on pet food, garbage, and garden crops. Female raccoons look for den sites in late winter. Litters of one to seven young are born in April and May. Young raccoons open their eyes about three weeks after birth, and often announce their presence with mewing, twittering or crying sounds. They nurse for about six weeks, then leave the den to follow the mother until September or early October when they disperse and establish their own territories. Mortality and Disease Factors Canine Distemper Canine distemper is a common disease and is usually fatal. Raccoons with distemper act tame or confused, and eventually lose coordination, become unconscious and die. Distemper cannot be transmitted to humans or immunized pets. Raccoon Rabies Raccoon rabies reached New York in 1990 and has become widespread. Rabies is a viral disease with symptoms similar to distemper. Rabid raccoons may behave aggressively, salivate heavily, or have paralyzed hind legs. Rabies can be transmitted to humans and other animals by the bite of an infected animal.

If you suspect a raccoon is rabid, avoid or destroy the animal and contact local health officials. Roundworm Roundworm infects most raccoons in New York at some time in their lives. The roundworm rarely causes the raccoon any problems, but the animals pass large numbers of eggs to the environment. Eggs ingested by another animal may hatch and cause nerve damage. Cases of human infection have been documented, including two fatal cases caused by accidental infections from captive raccoons. They are also thought by some ecologists to be ecologically important as carriers of diseases like canine and feline distemper, which can impact populations of other valuable furbearer species. Management Raccoons are protected by law. No one may possess a raccoon without a license, and licenses are not issued for pet wildlife. Hunting or trapping raccoons requires a license. The law allows unlicensed homeowners and farmers to destroy raccoons that damage property. However, property owners should try eliminating food and shelter before killing the animal. Except where temporarily reduced by rabies or distemper, raccoon numbers may be very high.

While densities in rural areas may be 20 - 40 raccoons per square mile, raccoon densities in some developed parts of the State (e.g. Long Island) may exceed 100 per square mile. Raccoons can become a nuisance if people unknowingly supply food or shelter for them. They can be attracted by food available in gardens, fish ponds, pet feeders or garbage, or by cavities that might offer shelter. Here are some ways to prevent raccoons from becoming a nuisance: Do not leave pet food outside. Feed pets only as much as they will eat at once, and remove all leftovers. If necessary, place pet feeders in an enclosed area such as a porch, garage, or barn. Keep garbage bags in an entry-way or garage, and in a metal can. Run a rubber strap, rope or soft wire through the lid and attach to the can handles. To make it hard for raccoons to remove lids, hang the can one foot above the ground, or use a rack and secure the cans upright. Surround gardens with an electric fence made up of two wires attached to an insulated post, one wire four inches and the other eight inches above the ground.

Install the fence before vegetables ripen. Block the openings raccoons are using to get into your attic, porch or other location. Place a temporary cover when the raccoons leave on their nightly search for food, and make a permanent seal later. To check if the raccoons have really left, sprinkle twigs, grass or flour in the opening and watch for tracks. Caution: do not permanently seal entrances without first verifying that all animals are out of the den. Especially in the spring, look and listen for animal noises. Nuisance wildlife control persons licensed by New York State can be hired to deal with problem raccoons. Injured and "orphaned" raccoons should be left alone. Animals actually in need of assistance may be cared for by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The DEC regional office can refer you to these individuals. Raccoons, Raccoon Pictures, Raccoon Facts - National Geographic Nursery Size relative to a 6-ft (2-m) man: Bandit-masked raccoons are a familiar sight just about everywhere, because they will eat just about anything. These ubiquitous mammals are found in forests, marshes, prairies, and even in cities.

They are adaptable and use their dexterous front paws and long fingers to find and feast on a wide variety of fare. Diet In the natural world, raccoons snare a lot of their meals in the water. These nocturnal foragers use lightning-quick paws to grab crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. On land, they pluck mice and insects from their hiding places and raid nests for tasty eggs. Raccoons also eat fruit and plants—including those grown in human gardens and farms. They will even open garbage cans to dine on the contents. Den Behavior These ring-tailed animals are equally opportunistic when it comes to choosing a denning site. They may inhabit a tree hole, fallen log, or a house's attic. Females have one to seven cubs in early summer. The young raccoons often spend the first two months or so of their lives high in a tree hole. Later, mother and children move to the ground when the cubs begin to explore on their own. Raccoons in the northern parts of their range gorge themselves in spring and summer to store up body fat. They then spend much of the winter asleep in a den.

There are six other species of raccoons, in addition to the familiar northern (North American) raccoon. Most other species live on tropical islands. Raccoon Life and Habitat Raccoon Life and Habitat Raccoons are found across most of North America, and their numbers and range have grown considerably over the course of the last 50 years, as raccoon hunting has abated, and farm and suburban habitat has expanded into once densely forested areas. Raccoons have adapted well to urban life and are among the most common species found in cities and towns. The ideal raccoon habitat is an area with small stands of timber bordering corn and vegetable fields, and with water close by. Raccoons are omnivorous and will eat everything: crayfish, grasshoppers, grapes, corn, worms, beetles, walnuts, cherries, mice, bird eggs, small snakes, acorns, berries, garden vegetables, and soybeans. It's common to find raccoons raiding garbage cans and dumps, and many urban raccoons "commute" to their food sources via storm sewers, sometimes traveling miles underground from denning woods to restaurant dumpster banquets.

A large number of raccoons are struck by cars as they are feeding on other road-killed animals such as snakes, turtles and possums. Like groundhogs, raccoons are eating machines that need to put on thick reserves of fat in order to supply them with energy and warmth through the winter months. Though raccoons do not hibernate, they may lay up in their dens for a month at a time during severe weather, and are capable of going through winter without eating at all. Raccoons do not construct their own den sites and are quite flexible and eclectic in their housing choices. While hollow trees are a common nesting location, so too are barns, attics, old squirrel nests, large forks in tree limbs, crawl spaces under houses and sheds, abandoned cars, brush piles, rock clefts, and groundhog holes. A study of over 300 raccoon dens found 89 in hollow trees, 29 in tree nests, 99 in tree roosts, 24 in rock dens, 66 in ground dens, and 2 in barns. Though normally solitary, it is not unusual to find several raccoons using the same denning hole or barn loft.

In most cases this will be one large male raccoon with several young female raccoons -- a kind of harem. Outside of the breeding season, raccoons will change holes and denning locations on an almost nightly basis. Raccoon skull side, and from top. Like red fox and groundhogs, raccoon weights can vary considerably, depending on the age and sex of the animal and how far north it lives. Raccoons as large as 48 pounds have been reported in Maine, Minnesota and Wisconsin, while most raccoons tip the scales at between 12 and 22 pounds. Raccoons are the most common carriers of rabies in the United States, especially in the east. While your dog is immunized against rabies, you are probably not, and every precaution should be taken to avoid being bitten. Above all, stay away from animals that are walking around in daylight and that seem either fearless or lethargic -- rabies shots are expensive and painful! Raccoons mate in January through March, and litters of 3 to 6 are born between April and May after a gestation period of about 63 days.

Baby raccoons weigh just 2 oz at birth, but add weight quickly. At seven or eight weeks of age, baby raccoons will begin clamoring out of the den mouth in order to play, and shortly afterwards they will begin to follow their mother on her foraging expeditions. Young raccoons are weaned by mid summer, and have generally dispersed to live their own soliatary lives by autumn. Females reach sexual maturity at age one, and males at age two. Raccoons can live up to 15 years in the wild, but few make it past their second year due to a combination of disease, malnutrition, feral farm dogs, coyotes, conflicts with automobiles and the occasional hunter and trapper. Raccoons are very tactile animals, and use their hands to pick grapes and berries very much like a human would. Raccoons have excellent hearing and night vision -- both very useful for locating small quarry such as beetles, grasshoppers and crickets. Raccoons are excellent climbers, and are one of the few animals that can descend a tree head-first -- a feat accomplished by turning their paws 180 degrees.

Though raccoons can swim, they are reluctant to do so, and will rarely enter a garden pond if they cannot feel the bottom with their feet. Raccoons rarely travel more than a quarter mile from their dens, though during breeding season males may travel up to four or five miles looking for a suitable mate. Adult raccoons can be savage fighters if cornered. Few dogs can kill an adult raccoon without suffering great damage from ripping teeth and claws. If the raccoon is attacked in water, it will try to hold the dog's head underwater until it drowns. Raccoons have a variety of calls. These include hissing, barks and snorts which are uttered to express fear or as threat. In addition to these calls, raccoons may growl, snarl and squeal. To hear some typical raccoon sounds, go to The home range and population densities of raccoon vary, depending on sex, age, season, food availability, and population density. A home range of 75 acres for males and 20 acres for females is about average, and in suitable edge habitat you can expect to find one raccoon every 40 acres or so.

Along with rabies -- and the usual fleas, ticks and mange mites -- dogs can also get Coonhound Paralysis. Coonhound paralysis is an auto immune sickness triggered by the dog's body reacting violently to a protein found in raccoon saliva. Symptoms will show up a few days after you return from the field. The most common reaction is for the dog to get weak in the hind legs and gradually become more paralyzed. The dog may also lose control of its bladder and experience some difficulty breathing. If you have any of these symptoms, get your dog to a vet, and have the vet run a blood test to rule out rabies. If it's coonhoun paralysis, there's not much the vet can do, as antibiotics do not work since there is no pathogen associated with the disease -- it is simply the dog's immune system reacting to a protein in the raccoon's saliva. Keep your dog bedded down inside with plenty of water, food and rest, and it will probably get better within the month.

Raccoon Nation | Raccoon Fact Sheet | Nature | PBS Raccoon Fact Sheet Genus: Procyon Species: Procyon lotor Size and Weight: The adult raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest of the Procyonidae family. It averages 24 to 38 inches in length and can weigh between 14 to 23 lbs., or more, depending upon habitat and available food. The male raccoon, or boar, is slightly larger than the female, also referred to as sow. The young are called kits. Physical Features: The mask of black fur that covers its eyes is its most characteristic and familiar feature. One hypothesis for the dark fur is that it may help reduce glare and enhance the nocturnal animal’s night vision. The species has grayish brown fur, almost 90% of which is dense underfur to insulate the animal against the cold. Five to eight light and dark rings alternate on its tail. Because its hind legs are longer than the front legs, a raccoon often appears hunched when they walk or run.

The five toes on a raccoon’s front paws are extremely dexterous, functioning essentially as five little fingers which allow it to grasp and manipulate food it finds in the wild as well as a variety of other objects, including doorknobs, jars, and latches. A raccoon’s most heightened sense is its sense of touch. It has very sensitive front paws and this sensitivity increases underwater. When able, a raccoon will examine objects in water. Life span: In the wild, a raccoon has a life expectancy of about 2 to 3 years, but in captivity a raccoon can live up to 20 years. Diet: The raccoon is an omnivorous and opportunistic eater, with its diet determined heavily by its environment. Common foods include fruits, plants, nuts, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs, and crayfish. In urban environments, the animal often sifts through garbage for food. The majority of its diet consists of invertebrates and plant foods. Geography: The raccoon is native to North America and can be found throughout the United States, except for parts of the Rocky Mountains, and southwestern states like Nevada, Utah, and Arizona.

It can also be found in parts of Canada, Mexico and the northern-most regions of South America. During the 20th century, the species was introduced to other parts of the globe, and now has an extensive presence in countries like Germany, Russia, and Japan. Habitat: Originally raccoons lived in the tropics where they could be found foraging along riverbanks. Over time they moved north up the continent, successfully adapting to new territories and expanding their diet. Traditionally, they live in tree cavities or burrows emerging at dusk to hunt frogs and crustaceans while keeping an eye out for predators such as coyotes and foxes. Barns have aided their northern migration, offering refuge from cold northern winters, and now, raccoons have been found as far north as Alaska. The species originally kept to the deciduous and mixed forests of North America, but its impressive ability to adapt has enabled the animal to move into a wide range of habitats, from mountainous terrains to large cities. The first urban sighting was in Cincinnati during the 1920s.

Raccoon populations do very well in urban areas, primarily due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. The size of a raccoon’s home range varies depending on habitat and food supply. In urban areas, its home range generally spans about one mile. Breeding and Social Structure: The animal is nocturnal, mostly foraging and feeding at night. Though previously thought to be quite solitary, there is now evidence that the species congregates in gender-specific groups. Mating season for raccoons falls generally anytime between January and June. Most females begin reproducing around the age of one. The female has a 65-day gestation period and gives birth to two to five kits, usually in the spring. A mother usually separates from other raccoons to raise her young alone. The male does not participate in the raising of the kits. The black mask is already visible on newly-born kits. The kits stay in the den with their mother until they are between 8-10 weeks old, and will stay with their mother until they reach 13-14 months of age.

Risks: A raccoon has few predators though the animal has been known to be attacked by cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. Disease, infection, and run-ins with cars are generally the primary risks for the species. Some of their diseases, including roundworm, trichinosis and rabies, also place people and pets at risk. Additional Facts: Raccoon Location, Habitat and Diet Raccoons can be found all across the United States, and can be found as far north as central Canada and extending south as far as Argentina. Their habitat in Canada has extended northward in recent years. This is believed to be because of increased agricultural activity in Canada. They prefer to build their dens in buildings or hollow trees. They are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to view them in the wild. Raccoons are omnivores and enjoy a varied diet that includes insects, small birds, eggs, nuts, fruit, grains, and small vertebrates. They are also known for foraging for food in trash cans, and often scatter trash that is not tightly sealed.

Size and Description Adult raccoons weigh on average about 10 to 30 pounds and are usually between two feet and a little over three feet long. Their coarse fur ranges from gray to black, with lighter colored underbellies. Their tails are generally gray with black rings. They are easily identified by their black mask-like markings around their eyes. These markings help to promote the raccoon's reputation as being sneaky and mischievious. Reproduction Raccoon cubs or kits are usually born in the spring, following a gestation or pregnancy period of about 63 days. Cubs stay in their dens with their mothers until they are about two months old. After this time they will begin to explore their world by following their mothers out of the dens. In colder climates, cubs may stay with their mothers until the next litter is born. In warmer, southern areas, they may disperse as early as three to six months. Adaptations Raccoons are one of the few animals that have adapted extremely well to humans invading their territory. Their broad diet allows them to eat almost anything that is available. They often forage through trash for food and their hand-like paws make this task much easier.

They are able to easily grasp objects such as trash can lids. Although they do not technically hibernate, they do put on extra weight in the fall that helps them make it through the winter. When it is extremely cold outside, they will sometimes stay in their dens for extended periods and burn the fat that they have stored. Special Facts Raccoons are known for a peculiar habit of dunking their food as if to wash it before eating. The name "lotor" actually means "washer". However, this behavior does not seem to have much to do with hygiene. Raccoons seem more likely to exhibit this behavior when in captivity, but they will not hesitate to eat when there is no water nearby.

Question: What is the name given to the home of a racoon
Answer: Den