Procyon lotor
The Raccoon was introduced from North America to Europe for the fur trade at the beginning of the twentieth century. Escapes over time have multiplied and the naturalised population in Europe has increased steadily.
Raccoons are often confused with the Eurasian Badger, though Raccoons have a black stripe diagonally crossing the area above the eyes, as well as a dark blaze from the snout to the forehead. On the side of the snout there are white areas, and the Raccoon also has white above the eyes. The ears have a light border, and the tail is striped diagonally with six or seven dark stripes which are longer than those on a Eurasian Badger. The coat is grey, brownish, reddish brown, or almost black on the upper side. Raccoons are about 48–70 cm long, and the tail measures about 20–30 cm. Raccoons weigh between 5 and 15 kg. The hind legs are longer than the front, so they move with the hindquarters slightly raised.
A Raccoon in a tree. JH.
Raccoons prefer deciduous woodland or underbrush near lakes, streams, and rivers, but may also be found in other open areas such as parks or arable land. If it is not persecuted, the Raccoon may become quite confiding.
Raccoons are normally solitary but—especially where they are fed by humans—may also live in groups. Raccoons are usually nocturnal; during the day they sleep in hollow trees, rock crevices, and other natural cavities, or even in abandoned Eurasian Badger or fox dens. Raccoons don’t hibernate but are noticeably less active in winter than in summer.
Raccoons have long and dexterous fingers, especially those on the front feet. The tracks show the footprints of all five toes and the pads as well as the imprint of powerful claws. Raccoons are good climbers and can rotate their hind feet 180 degrees to maintain their hold, and they are able to climb down trees headfirst. The toes are widely splayed; the front footprint is about 7–7.5 cm long and 6.5–7 cm wide, the hind footprint 8.5–9 cm long and 6–7 cm wide.
A Raccoon’s footprints, hind foot and forefoot. BZ.
You can usually find their tracks near places where the Raccoon sleeps during the day: along lakeshores and banks of streams, or along paths where it forages for food. The vegetation can become thoroughly trampled in these areas, especially if young are present. You can also find the animals’ hair scattered in these places.
Raccoons feed on mussels and crustaceans in shallow water, but since they are opportunistic omnivores, they also consume fish, frogs, aquatic insects, snails, and aquatic plants, as well as nuts, fruits and berries, vegetables, seeds, small rodents, birds, eggs, and nestlings. Raccoons will also feed on carrion.
A Raccoon can become very trusting. JH.
Raccoons will break into chicken coops and pheasantries, and they feed on garbage and food left by humans for domestic pets, wild animals, or birds. Lawns can be excavated as they search for insect larvae and worms. Raccoon scat looks like that of a midsized domestic dog. The scat is usually dark, but may change colour depending on diet. The scat is round, 3–8 cm long and 1–2 cm thick, and crumbles easily. It is left in piles near sleeping quarters, in latrines, also along the shores of lakes and banks of streams and rivers, and near fences, hedges, and other man-made obstacles.
Beware! Do not touch a Raccoon’s scat since it might contain the eggs of a nematode that can cause dangerous infections in humans.