Overview

The raccoon is North America's most recognisable night raider — black mask, ringed tail, and those eerily human-like front paws that dip and fumble in streams and bins alike. Intelligent and adaptable, raccoons have thrived in cities as readily as in swamps.

That paw sensitivity is real: raccoons have more touch receptors in their palms than most mammals and will explore objects underwater with their eyes closed. A common discovery at the edge of any American suburb after dark.

Habitat

Raccoons live across the United States in forest, wetland, farmland, and urban areas. They den in hollow trees, burrows, attics, and storm drains — wherever shelter is close to food from bins, gardens, ponds, and pet bowls.

Countries found

Raccoon in United States

Interesting facts

01
Raccoons have highly sensitive front paws — they 'see' objects by touch underwater.
02
Their name comes from the Algonquian word arakun — 'one who scratches with hands'.
03
They are omnivores eating almost anything — frogs, eggs, fruit, and pizza crusts.
04
Raccoons can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees to climb down trees head-first.
05
Urban raccoons have smaller home ranges than rural ones — food is easier to find.
06
They wash food in water — though scientists debate whether this is cleaning or enhancing touch.

Conservation status

LC — Least Concern

Raccoons are Least Concern and have expanded their range and urban population across North America. They can carry rabies and roundworm — admire from a distance.