Facts
- Opportunistic omnivore (eats both animals and plants)
- Eats acorns, grains, nuts, fruit, and small animals
- Natural habitat is wooded and wetland habitats
- Nocturnal and solitary except when breeding or caring for young
- If water is close, raccoons appear to wash food
- The raccoon's name "Lotor" means "washer"
- The goal isn't to clean food but to tear at it, feeling for edible matter
- Has nimble fingers, can easily turn doorknobs
- When very cold, they may sleep for several days to a month (not hibernation)
People and Raccoons
- Raccoons are very adaptable and tolerant of most human activity
- Sometimes they consume fruits, vegetables, and other crops because natural habitat and natural food sources have been diminished
- Domestic dogs may prey on raccoons
- Raccoons can carry diseases, so they should never be touched by people
- Foxes, bobcats, coyotes, owls, and other predators undoubtedly kill many young raccoons, but the automobile, disease, and human interaction are more significant causes of death
How to Coexist
- Secure garbage cans.
- Don't leave pet food or water dishes out.
- Close dog and cat doors at night.
- For ponds, submerge a wire mesh horizontally around the circumference of the pond. Fish can then escape to the center of the pond and raccoons will be discouraged from standing on the unstable mesh.
