Raccoon

About

How raccoon lives

Raccoons are adaptable nocturnal mammals that forage near trees, water, farms, and cities. Sensitive front paws help raccoons investigate food and objects by touch. Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting raccoon also depends on keeping forest, wetland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Sensitive front paws help raccoons investigate food and objects by touch.
• Hair, fur, and milk production are hallmark mammal traits that separate them from other vertebrates.
• Forest habitats reward animals that can climb, hide, or move quietly through layered vegetation.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.