Raccoon Facts Procyon lotor
Raccoons are adaptable nocturnal mammals native to North America. Sensitive front paws, dexterity, and flexible diets help them thrive in forests, wetlands, and cities.
- Habitat
- Forest
- Diet
- Fruit, nuts, insects, eggs, and small animals
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
Classification
Family: Procyonidae. Order: Carnivora.
Raccoon Habitat
Raccoons live in Forest and Wetland and Urban habitats. Their recorded range includes North America. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.
What Do Raccoons Eat?
Diet classification: Omnivore. Recorded foods: Fruit, nuts, insects, eggs, and small animals.
Raccoon Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Recorded lifespan: 2–5 years. Recorded size: 40–70 cm. Recorded weight: 5–26 kg.
Raccoon Conservation Status
Raccoon is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.
Quick facts
- Region
- North America
- Habitat
- Forest, Wetland, Urban
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
- Size
- 40–70 cm
- Weight
- 5–26 kg
Fun facts
- Their front paws contain dense sensory receptors for examining objects.
- The dark facial mask may reduce glare and sharpen night vision.
- Raccoons remember solutions to tasks for long periods.
- They often use tree cavities, rock crevices, or buildings as dens.
Explore related categories
Discover more with the random animal generator or browse all animal profiles.
Similar animals
Explore nearby branches of the animal world.
Ready for another discovery?
The animal kingdom is full of surprises.
Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.