Raccoon
Procyon lotor
California Department of Fish and Game "Harvest Species"
Life History
The raccoon measures about 60-105 cm(23-41 in) in length. Coloration varies from grayish
brown tipped with black above to light gray below. The face has a distinguishing black mask
and the tail usually has six black rings that completely encircle the tail. Their body tends to be
heavily built and can weigh up to 18 kg (40 lb).
This permanent resident occupies all habitats except alpine and deserts without water.
They are most abundant in riparian and wetland areas at low to middle elevations.
Cover and dens can be found in cavities in
trees, snags, logs, and rocky areas. Abandoned buildings and dense vegetation also provide
cover.
The raccoon is active during throughout the year except during winter months in part
of its range where they may be dormant.
Raccoon are omnivorous and opportunistic carnivores. In spring they eat primarily
animal matter such as: crayfish, fish, arthropods, amphibians, a few small mammals, birds,
and eggs. In the summer and fall they eat large amounts of grains, acorns, other nuts, and
fruits. Foraging occurs in all saline and freshwater riparian habitats, shallow water,
vegetation, and on the ground. Agricultural and urban areas are also common foraging areas.
Home ranges vary from 85 to 380 ha (210 to 940 ac). Males tend to be
territorial towards other males while females are not.
In California, raccoons tend to breed from January through March. The females
ovulate spontaneously. Most of the young are born from
March through May with litters varying from one to eight. The gestation takes 54 to 65 days.
The young are weaned between 60 and 90 days and become somewhat independent by about
130 days. Males and females begin breeding as early as the first year.
Because raccoons are so adaptable and tolerant to most human activity, they can
become serious pests. They have been known to prey upon domestic animals or consume and
damage agricultural crops. Predators to the raccoon are the great horned owl, bobcat,
and domestic dogs. Some health concerns associated with raccoons are that they may carry
diseases such as trichinosis, rabies, leptospirosis, tularemia, and Chagas' disease. Canine
distemper is an important mortality factor associated with raccoons, especially the young.
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