Raccoon
Procyon lotor
Quick answer
The raccoon is a clever, adaptable mammal native to North America, easily recognized by its black 'bandit' mask and ringed tail. Famous for nimble, sensitive front paws and a habit of 'washing' food, raccoons thrive in forests, wetlands, and cities alike. They are highly intelligent omnivores that typically live 2 to 3 years in the wild, though much longer in captivity.
Raccoon facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Procyon lotor |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Forest, wetland, and urban areas |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years in the wild |
| Weight | 5–12 kg (11–26 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 24 km/h (15 mph) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Procyonidae |
| Genus | Procyon |
Where it lives
Forests, wetlands, and cities across North America, introduced to parts of Europe and Asia.
Clever and dexterous
Raccoons are remarkably intelligent and have extraordinarily sensitive, nimble front paws with which they can open latches, jars, and bins. In studies they solve puzzles and remember solutions for years, and their problem-solving skills are a big reason they flourish alongside people.
Why they 'wash' food
Raccoons often dunk and rub their food in water, which looks like washing. They are not cleaning it; wetting their paws dramatically heightens their sense of touch, letting them feel and identify what they are handling. Their Latin name, lotor, even means 'washer'.
Adaptable omnivores
Raccoons eat almost anything, from fruit, nuts, and insects to eggs, frogs, and human leftovers. This flexible diet, along with their intelligence and dexterity, lets them thrive in habitats from wild forests and marshes to busy city neighborhoods, where they raid gardens and trash cans at night.
Behavior and range
Mostly nocturnal, raccoons den in tree hollows, burrows, and attics. Native to North America, they have also been introduced to parts of Europe and Asia, where they can become an invasive nuisance. They can carry diseases such as rabies, so wildlife experts advise against handling them.
Frequently asked questions about the Raccoon
Why do raccoons wash their food?
Raccoons do not really wash their food. Wetting their highly sensitive front paws sharpens their sense of touch, helping them feel and identify what they are about to eat.
Are raccoons intelligent?
Yes, very. Raccoons can open complex latches, solve puzzles, and remember the solutions for years, which helps them thrive in cities as well as in the wild.
What do raccoons eat?
Raccoons are omnivores that eat fruit, nuts, insects, eggs, frogs, small animals, and human food scraps, adapting their diet to whatever is available.
How long do raccoons live?
In the wild, raccoons usually live only 2 to 3 years due to predators, traffic, and disease, but in captivity they can live up to 20 years.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons usually avoid people, but they can bite or scratch if cornered and may carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm, so it is best not to feed or handle them.
