Raccoons are peculiar animals with striking features, showcasing ringed tails and masked markings circling their eyes. It’s the latter that has made raccoons into movie characters that typically portray cartoon bandits and ninjas. How much do you know about raccoons? Your knowledge of these creatures may be limited, but here, you’ll find out some interesting facts about raccoons. Let’s get started!

Foods Raccoons Love to Eat

These bushy-tailed mammals are omnivores that eat other animals, insects, and plants. It’s not unusual to find raccoons living in marshes or close proximity to riverbeds, where they can enjoy meals of frogs, crawfish, fish, and snails. Still, these notorious bandits are not afraid to rob a momma bird of her eggs, nibble your garden plants, berries and nuts, dig through your trash, and share in your dog’s pet food. 

Alaska Has No Wild Racoons

Raccoons can be found in 49 of the 50 states in America. However, they do not call Alaska home. During the booming fur trade during the 1930s, raccoons were introduced in Alaska. According to Alaska Fish and Wildlife, attempts by private individuals to transplant raccoons in southern Southeast Alaska failed

Raccoons Can Get Fairly Large

Typically, adult raccoons can reach an average length of roughly 18 to 28 inches and weigh between 5 to 15 pounds. Male raccoons tend to outgrow females. Bandit, the world’s heaviest raccoon, set a Guinness World Record, weighing around 75 pounds. Bandit, however, had some help reaching that size being someone’s pet that frequented the local ice cream store.

Raccoons Live in Dens

Where do raccoons make their homes? These creatures live in dens, typically formed in fallen trees with holes or ones that already have burrows but are abandoned by the animals that created them. Raccoons will not stay in the same den for too long, only a few days before relocating. However, a nursing raccoon will wait until her kits come of age before moving to a new den. 

Do Raccoons Hibernate During Winter?

You may be thinking that raccoons hibernate during winter. However, they are not the epitome of true hibernators. Raccoons can spend the summer and spring accumulating fat to prepare for the cold season. They’ll sleep for weeks during the coldest time of the year. In the colder months, homeowners may find raccoons sheltering in their attics, a good reason to have wildlife removal contact in your phone. 

The Lifespan of Raccoons

Do raccoons live for many years? A raccoon’s lifespan is dependent on its habitat, whether in the wild or captivity. Wild raccoons can live for two to three years. That’s a short life expectancy. However, raccoons held in captivity at zoos or as pets (not encouraged) can live up to 20 years. 

Raccoons are interesting animals, but they can prove to be nuisances as well. If you have a raccoon infestation, give us a call at 781-830-6080 Baystate can humanely and safely remove raccoons from your home. Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can give you the peace of mind that you deserve.