Summer/ Fall 2000

Species Profile: Raccoon

The raccoon, (Procyon lotor), has long been recognized as a favorite object of chase by houndsmen throughout Mississippi. With its remarkable physical stamina and ability to defend itself, the raccoon provides exciting sport for coon hunters and their dogs.

Raccoons are easily recognized by their black nose and black mask which surrounds the eyes, contrasting their white face. Body color is usually gray to blackish, darker on the back and gradually turning lighter towards the underside. The unmistakable tail is usually 7 to 12 inches in length and ringed with 5 to 7 black rings, always terminating in black. Weights of adult raccoons range from 9 to 30 pounds, and occasionally more.

Raccoons can be found in all of the continental 48 states, lower portions of Canada and all of Central America. They prefer tracts of bottomland hardwoods with ample den trees, but can also be found in bottomland swamps, upland woods and small wooded tracts which are surrounded by farmlands that consist of small grain crops (especially corn).

Raccoons are seldom found far from a permanent source of water. Water is probably the single most important influence upon distribution of raccoons.

Raccoons are basically nocturnal animals and spend most of their daylight hours sleeping in the den. As evening draws near, they can be found away from their den sites scavenging for food under the cover of darkness.

Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Plant foods include wild fruits and berries, acorns and other nuts, corn and garden vegetables. Animal foods include crawfish, insects, grubs, earthworms, fish, mussels, snakes, eggs of birds and turtles and occasionally other small mammals.

Mating season for raccoons occurs between December and June, with peak breeding activity taking place in February and March. Litters are generally born in April or May with late litters appearing from June through August. Females produce one litter of 1 to 7 young per year.

The young are born in a den which is usually in a hollow tree, a cavity beneath old tree roots or an old abandoned underground den. The young will leave the den when they are approximately 10 weeks old and begin foraging with their mother. They are completely weaned at the age of 12 to 14 weeks.

Raccoons have few natural predators. Human activities such as trapping, hunting and collisions with automobiles are the chief causes of mortality in raccoons. Distemper outbreaks can also have a tremendous impact on raccoon localized populations.

This article was written by Rob Ballinger, Field Biologist with the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.