How to Tell Raccoons Apart

Raccoons inhabit almost all North American regions.

Raccoons are some of the most common wild animals seen in urban and suburban communities. According William H. Kern, Jr. at the University of Florida, raccoons are a highly adaptable species able to live in virtually any climate. Raccoons tend to be very similar in size and appearance, and the University of California-Davis' integrated statewide pest management program notes that healthy raccoons weigh between 10 and 30 lbs. and grow to be 2 to 3 feet long. Male and female raccoons have similar markings, a black mask and up to seven dark rings on the tail. Males, females and adolescents can be differentiated by a few salient characteristics.

Things You'll Need

• Sedated raccoon
• Examination table
• Measuring tape
• Notepad
• Magnifying glass
• Scale

Instructions

1. Place the sedated raccoon gently on the examination table.

2. Stretch the raccoon out carefully so that the nose and tail are in a straight line and fully extended.

3. 

   Measuring a raccoon will give clues as to its gender and age.

   Measure the raccoon's length from tip of the nose to the end of the tail with the measuring tape. Record the measurement on the notepad.

4. Pull the raccoon's lips away from its teeth, and look through the magnifying glass to count the number of ring patterns on the canine teeth. Note the findings.

5. Move the raccoon onto the scale and determine its weight. Record the weight in the notebook.

6. Visually examine the raccoon, marking any distinguishing characteristics such as bald patches or a pattern of missing teeth.

7. Analyze the data in the notebook. If the canine teeth have one or no ring the raccoon is likely an adolescent. Adult male raccoons are typically longer and heavier than females. If the raccoon weighs 30 lbs. and is 36 inches long, it is likely an adult male. If it weighs 10 lbs. and is 24 inches long it is likely a female.

Tips & Warnings

• Distinguish adolescent raccoons by the presence of bald patches in rings on the tail or by skin covering the eyes.

• It is difficult to distinguish the gender and age of mid-sized raccoon weighing around 20 lbs. In this circumstance additional observational data detailing the particular raccoon's behavior or consulting a wildlife expert may be necessary.

• If a raccoon is seen in the company of other raccoons, it is likely either an adolescent or a mother. Male raccoons are generally solitary animals.

• Do not attempt to physically handle a raccoon that is not sedated. They can be extremely violent when cornered, and are known to do severe harm to dogs and humans that harass them.

• Consult an expert in animal control and care before attempting to trap a raccoon or sedate it. Only a trained specialist can make sure the raccoon is not inadvertently harmed.

References

• University of Florida: IFAS: WEC-34 Raccoons
• Wild Facts Sample : Raccoon:
• Raccoons Management Guidelines: University of California-Davis