Raccoons are small, clever animals that live in forests, cities, and backyards. They are known for their black “mask” of fur across their eyes and their curious behavior. Many people think raccoons are just cute troublemakers, but there’s a lot more to these furry creatures than meets the eye.
Here are 11 fascinating and surprising facts about raccoons that will help you understand them better.
1. They Have Super Smart Hands
One of the most amazing things about raccoons is their hands. Their front paws are like tiny human hands. They can open jars, untie knots, and even unlock doors. Each paw has five fingers, and raccoons use them to explore and grab things.
They use their sense of touch to learn about the world around them. In fact, a raccoon’s brain is highly connected to its paws. This means their sense of touch is incredibly sharp—like our eyesight is for us.
2. They “Wash” Their Food—But Not for Cleanliness
People often think raccoons wash their food in water before eating it. This behavior has led to their nickname “washing bears” in some languages. But raccoons aren’t really cleaning their food.
They’re actually using water to help them feel it better. Wetting their paws helps improve their sense of touch, especially in the dark. So when you see a raccoon “washing” something, it’s really just trying to figure out what it is.
3. They’re Super Smart
Raccoons are very intelligent animals. In tests, they’ve been shown to solve puzzles, remember solutions for years, and even learn from watching others. In one famous study, raccoons were given a puzzle with food locked inside. Not only did they solve it, but they also remembered how to do it again a long time later.
This intelligence helps them survive in many different environments—whether it’s a forest or a city.
4. They’re Nocturnal
Raccoons are mostly active at night. This is called being nocturnal. They sleep during the day and come out to find food when the sun goes down. Their excellent sense of smell and touch help them find food in the dark.
If you see a raccoon during the day, it’s not always a sign of illness—but it’s less common. Sometimes they’re just out getting food or moving to a new home.
5. They Eat Almost Anything
Raccoons are omnivores. This means they eat both plants and meat. Their diet can include fruits, nuts, insects, frogs, bird eggs, fish, and even garbage. In cities, raccoons have learned to dig through trash cans and dumpsters to find snacks.
They are expert foragers and love to explore. This helps them survive in many places and climates.
6. They Can Live in the City
You don’t have to be in the forest to see a raccoon. In fact, they’re common in many cities across North America. Cities give raccoons everything they need: food, water, and places to hide.
They often live in attics, under porches, or in storm drains. Urban raccoons are even smarter than forest raccoons because they’ve had to learn to live around humans and traffic.
7. They Can Climb Almost Anything
Raccoons are excellent climbers. They can climb trees, fences, walls, and even the sides of buildings. Their strong claws and flexible paws help them grip almost any surface.
They use their climbing skills to escape danger or find shelter. A raccoon can even climb down a tree head-first—a trick that most animals can’t do.
8. They’re Very Clean Animals
Even though they dig in trash, raccoons are actually very clean. They groom themselves like cats, licking their fur and using their paws to wipe dirt off.
They also keep their living areas tidy. If they live in a den, they will sometimes leave to go to the bathroom somewhere else. This helps keep their homes clean and free of sickness.
9. They Make Many Sounds
Raccoons don’t just hiss or growl—they have a whole library of sounds! They can make over 50 different noises, including whistles, purrs, growls, and screams. Baby raccoons chirp like birds when calling for their mother. Adults may snarl when angry or make clicking sounds when they’re curious.
These sounds help raccoons communicate with each other, especially between a mother and her young.
10. They’re Great Swimmers
Raccoons may not look like it, but they’re great swimmers. They can paddle across ponds, lakes, and rivers. They often hunt for food in shallow water, using their paws to find crayfish, frogs, and other water creatures.
While they usually prefer dry land, raccoons aren’t afraid of getting wet if it means finding a good meal.
11. They Have a Short Wild Life—but Can Live Long in Captivity
In the wild, raccoons live about 2 to 3 years on average. Life is tough outside—there are predators, cars, diseases, and not always enough food. But in captivity, such as in zoos or with licensed caretakers, raccoons can live up to 20 years!
Because of their intelligence, they need lots of things to do in captivity to keep them from getting bored. Some even learn tricks, solve puzzles, and play games.
Extra Fun Fact: They’re Not Bears!
Some people think raccoons are related to bears because of their appearance. While they do look similar in some ways, raccoons are not bears. They belong to a different animal family called Procyonidae. Their closest relatives include coatis and kinkajous.
Should You Keep a Raccoon as a Pet?
Raccoons might look cute and playful, but they are wild animals. In most places, it is illegal or strongly discouraged to keep raccoons as pets. Even trained raccoons can bite, scratch, or carry diseases.
Instead, enjoy raccoons from a distance. If you find one injured or orphaned, it’s best to call a wildlife expert for help.
How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your Home
While raccoons are clever and fun to watch, they can cause trouble around homes by digging through trash, tearing up roofs, or making a mess. Here are a few simple ways to keep them out:
- Use animal-proof trash cans.
- Don’t leave pet food outside.
- Close off entry points to attics, chimneys, or under porches.
- Use lights or motion sensors to scare them away.
Raccoons are much more than just backyard bandits. They are smart, skillful, and full of surprises. Whether they’re using their tiny hands to open a jar or climbing down a tree headfirst, raccoons are one of the most interesting animals in North America. Just remember to give them space—and protect your trash cans!