The Inquisitive Raccoon
By Teri-Lee Reid
Most of us are familiar with the masked “bandit” that often waddles through our backyards at night. The raccoon is easily recognizable with its black mask, ringed tail and round body.
Other characteristic features of raccoons are their pointed snout, broad head, small round ears, and short legs. Their colouration varies, but is typically a shade of grey or brown, sometimes black. They average around 80 cm in length, from nose to the tip of their tails, and weigh on average between 6 and 8 kg. Males are usually larger than females.
 Raccoons are highly adaptable — able to live in a variety of habitats from moist wooded areas, marshes and farmland to urban areas. Natural den sites include hollow trees, logs and stumps, but they have adjusted to finding shelter in garages, attics, chimneys, culverts and even sewers. Raccoons can be found across Canada in all the provinces except Newfoundland and Labrador.
Raccoons are omnivorous meaning they eat both plant and animal food. While diet tends to vary depending on season and location some of the raccoon’s favourite food items include crayfish, corn, wild cherries, strawberries, frogs, grasshoppers, grubs and bird eggs. As raccoons have become more common in residential areas they have also learned that garbage cans and pet food can provide tasty meals. Their extremely dexterous front paws help them gain access to these treats.
Raccoons are nocturnal — mostly active at night and asleep during the day. They are excellent climbers and although good swimmers, usually don’t go swimming as their fur, which is not waterproof, can be quite cumbersome when wet. They do like to forage in and around water though.
Raccoons don’t hibernate but they do become a lot less active in the winter, especially on cold nights. On warmer nights, they will emerge from their dens to forage. Fall is a critical time for them in terms of eating as they must gain enough fat to support them through the winter.
Breeding takes place in late winter or early spring and approximately 63 days later the young are born. Average litter size is four, although the range is between three and seven. Young are born with their eyes closed and weigh only 75 grams. They mature quickly — by day ten their black mask is visible and by day 14 their eyes open.
The male is not a part of the family group and has no role in caring for the young. It is the female (sow) that cares for and nurses her young. She begins taking them out in the evenings with her to forage when they’re about eight weeks old. The young remain with the sow until the following spring, when she is ready to have her next litter.
Raccoons typically don’t live more than five years in the wild; however there is one record of a raccoon that lived for sixteen years. In addition to predators, such as wolves, foxes, coyotes, dogs, fishers, owls and people, severe winters, disease, and lack of food all reduce their chances of survival.
While raccoons help regulate prey populations they can also be a source of concern for homeowners. Raccoons can get into attics and chimneys, make a mess of garbage and tear up lawns and gardens. The first step in dealing with wildlife problems is to identify what is attracting the problem species. If raccoons are getting into your garbage be sure to secure the lids with a strong bungee cord or heavy weight. Putting your garbage out in the morning will also help. Never leave pet food outside as it can attract raccoons and other problems. If raccoons are digging up your lawn, they are probably looking for grubs – dealing with the grubs will solve the problem (follow the suggestions in our Healthier Shade of Green article). For other tips on dealing with raccoons or other wildlife problems, visit our Dealing with Problem Wildlife section.
To help raccoons in your area consider keeping woodlands and wetlands in a natural state. Protect stumps, logs and standing dead trees as den sites for raccoons. Allowing shoreline areas to remain natural or installing a large pond if you have the space can provide good areas for foraging.
By acquiring information on raccoon behaviour perhaps we’ll be able to coexist a little easier with these inquisitive little animals.
Title Image - Josie Kozack
Body Image - Serge Desbiens
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