Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Habitat

Lives in deciduous forests, suburbs, agricultural fields, and wetlands.

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Diet

This omnivore uses its keen sense of touch to feel for food in streams, under logs, etc., and will eat anything edible - from plants and fruit to carrion, fish, shellfish, insects, garbage, and more.

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Nocturnal/Diurnal

Mostly nocturnal.

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Seasonal Changes

Raccoons are active year-round, but during periods of very cold weather they may den up and sleep.

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Reproduction & Family Structure

The female makes a den in a tree cavity, where she has two to six young. Sometimes, if she feels threatened, she’ll move her young to a new den site.

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Status

Raccoons are susceptible to canine distemper and rabies.

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Living with Wildlife

How to Prevent or Resolve Conflicts with Raccoons

Research suggests that humans create the conditions for conflict by deliberately or inadvertently providing animals with food and shelter.

Learn more about how to prevent or resolve conflicts with raccoons

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