The masked omnivore famously thriving in human-dominated landscapes. Their hands have four to five times more touch sensors than typical mammals — they "see" with their hands.

Also called: Coon, Common Raccoon

Native status: Native; widespread and abundant; expanding into Eurasia and Asia

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 40–70 cm (16–28 in); tail 20–40 cm
Weight4–9 kg (9–20 lb); some over 15 kg in urban populations
LifespanWild typically 2–3 years (mortality high); captive 20+
OrderCarnivora
FamilyProcyonidae

§ Encyclopedia

The raccoon, sometimes called the North American, northern or common raccoon to distinguish it from other species of raccoon, is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm, and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg. Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur, which insulates it against cold weather. The animal's most distinctive features include its extremely dexterous front paws, its facial mask, and its ringed tail, which are common themes in the mythologies of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas surrounding the species. The raccoon is noted for its intelligence, and studies show that it can remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, eating about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.

Source: Wikipedia — Raccoon Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Familiar bandit-masked medium mammal with grizzled gray-brown body; distinctive black face mask with white outline; bushy ringed tail.

Similar species. Coati (longer body, much longer tail held vertically). Ringtail (smaller, longer tail). No other US mammal has the masked face pattern.

Voice. Wide vocal range: chitters, growls, snarls, screeches, purrs.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous; eats virtually everything: crayfish, fish, frogs, eggs, fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, carrion, garbage. Dexterous front paws can manipulate latches, lids, and zippers.

Behavior. Among the most adaptable US mammals — equally at home in remote forests and dense urban neighborhoods. The familiar "washing" behavior (dousing food in water) is misleading; actual function appears to be enhancing tactile sensation from wet front paws, which have an extraordinary density of nerve endings (5x that of human hands). Primary natural carrier of rabies in the US east of the Mississippi.

§ Range

Throughout North and Central America; introduced to Europe and Asia

§ Habitat

Forests near water, agricultural areas, suburbs, dense cities

§ Threats

Vehicle strikes, distemper outbreaks, rabies, conflicts with humans over food and shelter.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the common raccoon is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Secure trash and pet food. Don't feed wildlife. Support TNR / vaccination programs in rabies-prone areas.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • USDA Wildlife Services
  • National Park Service
  • IUCN Red List 2016