Raccoons

Guide Note

The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an omnivorous mammal native to North America that is instantly recognizable by its dark mask and ringed tail.

Fast Facts

1. Nocturnal
2. Fearless but not usually aggressive
3. Sometimes dip food in water before eating
4. Skilled foragers
5. Often live in loose, gender-specific groups
6. Hunted for food and skins by Native Americans and settlers
7. An introduced species in Europe
8. Two related species live in Central and South America
9. Family Procyonidae also includes kinkajous and coatis

Of common woodland animals in North America, raccoons are most closely related to skunks and weasels, but are also related to bears, with whom they share an avid, omnivorous mode of life. What they lack in size and muscle, they make up for in curiosity and dexterity: raccoons are notorious for their ability to solve complex puzzles, such as opening latches or de-bungeeing garbage cans, in order to get at something they think might be edible. The behavior for which they are most famous, 'washing' their food in available water, is poorly understood, but probably has little or nothing to do with actual washing.¹

While raccoons can be surprisingly bold or nonchalant when their business takes them into the proximity of humans (e.g. when sneaking into a house and robbing the cat bowl), they tend to be dangerous only when cornered or annoyed. It is for this temperament that raccoons are known to make loyal and affectionate pets except for every now and then, when they go berserk and attack you.² In other words, it is wise to leave raccoons more or less alone, and not to encourage them by leaving food around. Extra caution is appropriate toward a raccoon active in daylight, as it may be rabid.