Species MammalsRaccoon

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

CommonMammal
Illustration of Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Safety note: Do not approach or handle wild animals — raccoons may carry rabies.

The Raccoon is instantly recognizable by its black face mask and ringed tail. Highly intelligent and dexterous, with nimble front paws that can manipulate latches, lids, and containers.

Habitat
Forests, wetlands, urban parks, and neighborhoods near water
Diet
Omnivorous: crayfish, frogs, eggs, fruit, refuse, and nearly anything edible
How common
Common

Best time to see a Raccoon

The best time to see a Raccoon is January–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 132,398 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Raccoon? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Raccoon sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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