Diet of Raccoons

Raccoons are synanthropes, meaning creatures that have not only adapted to living with humanity, but benefit from it. These furry bandits have adapted so well to life in cities and towns because in addition to being smart, they are also able to eat nearly anything. Like humans, raccoons are omnivores, animals that eat plants and meat, although they also will enjoy insects when they have the chance.

Warning

Raccoons are wild animals. Even if you know how to feed them, don't try to keep one as a pet. Along with three other animals--bat, fox and skunk--the raccoon is one of the primary carriers of the rabies virus. Their feces can also transmit the raccoon roundworm, which is a serious public health risk. Even if you know what raccoons eat, trying to domesticate one is a very dangerous idea.

Characteristics

Note the ringed tail and bandit mask.

Raccoons are at least as intelligent as domestic cats and small dogs, according to the Humane Society, and are generally similar in size. They can be around 3 feet long--as long snout to tail as a small dog--and will weigh between 6 and 35 pounds, depending on age, gender, food and other considerations. The raccoon's markings are also distinct: the tail is marked with black and white rings, while they bear what looks like a bandit's mask on their face.

Diet in the Wild

The diet of a raccoon is extremely diverse, and mostly depends on what they can get their paws on. Leaves, grains, nuts and berries are a staple of their diet, but they are partial to worms and birds if they can catch them. They have also been known to fish, catching crayfish and other small mollusks or fish if they can. Overall, the raccoon is something of an opportunist, willing to eat nearly anything, including carrion or rotting plant matter.

Diet in Cities and Towns

In cities, the things raccoons normally feed on are far less present, but this doesn't stop them: garbage cans are a constant source of food. The occasional dead rat or roadkill will take care of some of their diet, but the raccoon is a strong and determined creature. Garbage cans are tall, but can often be knocked over, and the feast within can be worth the effort, so most city-bound raccoons feed on any garbage they can find.

Prevention/Solution

Many homeowners place heavy rocks or other objects on their trashcans to prevent raccoons from knocking them over. An even better solution is to place bungee cords across the lids so that, even if the raccoon knocks the can over, the lid stays on. Eventually, raccoons will learn that there is no food to be had in your garbage cans and move on. If the critter causes a constant problem, and the only solution is to trap or remove it, call a local professional. In many states, it's illegal for an unlicensed person to trap and move a raccoon.