Raccoon
Scientific Name: Procyon lotor
Raccoons are a stocky nocturnal mammal in the Procyonid family. They are well known for their characteristic black mask across its eyes and its bushy striped tail that can have anywhere from 4 to 10 black rings. Their color can vary by habitat, but tend to range from gray to reddish brown, to a buffy tan. Their paws resemble small human hands, which make them unusually dexterous, allowing them to open containers, unlatch doors, and manipulate food. Both of their forepaws and hind paws have five toes.
They are agile climbers and swimmers. They can frequently be seen near water “washing” their food, however this behavior is called “dousing”: and is not about cleanliness! They have highly sensitive paws with tactile receptors that become more sensitive when wet, which enhances their ability to feel the texture, shape and other qualities of their food.
They are widespread and well adapted to both urban and rural environments. They can be found in tree cavities, burrows, attics, chimneys, abandoned buildings, or perhaps crawling through a dumpster!
Adult size: 23 to 37 in
Weight: 3-22 lbs
Life span: Up to 16 years in the wild (5 years on average)
Maturity: Two years
Litter size: 3 to 7
Fun Fact
Raccoons often “wash” their food before they eat it. They wet their food to feel it better. They have sensory receptors in their paws!
Diet
Raccoons are omnivores and eat a wide variety of foods. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything including fruits, seeds, nuts, roots, tubers, corn, insects, amphibians, crustaceans, bird eggs, carrion, and discards of human food.
Habitat
Raccoons can be found in a wide variety of habitats, and often live near humans. Raccoons prefer to live in moist woodland areas and need access to water. Raccoons build dens in a variety of places including trees, old woodchuck burrows, caves, empty buildings, barns, and houses.
Behavior
Raccoons are most active at night. During the winter they become much less active, though their metabolic rate remains stable while they live off fat reserves. They are mostly solitary, but males sometimes stay with a female before and after giving birth to young.
They are highly intelligent and have excellent memory and problem solving ability. They exhibit planning, flexibility, and persistence in problem solving, which are skills that have helped them thrive in both wild and human dominated environments.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Raccoon males and females only associate during mating, or within family groups. Their mating season is from February through June, and only breed once yearly. Young are born blind and don’t open their eyes until 18 to 24 weeks after birth. Young are typically weaned after 70 days. The young stay with their mother through the first winter and become independent in the spring.
Population Status
Raccoons are classified as of “least concern.” However, small, isolated, island subspecies may be threatened.
Viewing
Raccoons can often be seen in urban settings, attracted to human food waste. They can be seen throughout New York State, from the most remote forests to the densest inner cities. Raccoons are highly adaptable to their environment.
Range
Raccoons are found across southern Canada, throughout the United States, and into Northern South America. They are considered introduced, and even invasive in some parts of Europe and Asia.
For more information on raccoons in New York please visit the NYSDEC page here.
