Information on the Diet of Raccoons

Raccoons will eat a wide variety of foods.

Raccoons are opportunistic and adaptable feeders. They are omnivores and there are very few types of food that they will not eat if given the opportunity; however their diet primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and invertebrates.

Wild Plant Foods

Acorns

Raccoons are found from southern Canada to the northern part of South America and their diet varies with their location. Favorite wild plant foods include fruits such as wild grapes, apples, berries and acorns.

Wild Animal Foods

Crayfish

Raccoons will regularly eat invertebrates such as worms and crayfish. They are not very good hunters, but will eat birds, frogs and mice if given the opportunity. Raccoons have even been seen eating carrion.

Urban Foods

Trash

The density of raccoon populations can be up to 20 times higher in the city than in wild areas as humans provide a nearly endless source of food--trash. Raccoons are also known to raid gardens and farms, especially for corn and grapes.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: Raccoons
• Little Friends Wildlife Center : Procyon Lotor

Resources

• Holoweb.com: Managing Raccoon Problems