Population Increase

• The raccoon has experienced a population boom in the past 60 years: according to National Geographic, between 1930 and 1980, the raccoon population in North America increased fifteen-fold. Much of this growth is attributed to the movement of raccoons into urban environments. The concentration of raccoon populations in urban environments is estimated to be 20 times the rural concentration. The urban habitat provides a huge amount of salvageable food and a number of hiding places for the animal.
  
  

Distribution in North America

• The raccoon is native to North America. They are most common along the East coast of the United States, though they can be found as far west as Nebraska and Oklahoma. Some parts of Southern Canada (particularly Ontario and Quebec) have raccoon populations, as well. Raccoons are also found in the South and throughout Central America. In the non-urban environment, raccoons tend to live along large rivers and streams.
  
  

Eating Habits and Habitat

• Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores and will eat both vegetation and animal matter, depending on availability. The animal's diet varies greatly with its environment, though it relies heavily on water sources for feeding. Fruits, vegetables and tree nuts comprise the foundation of the animal's diet. Additionally, the raccoon will eat insects, small fish and crustaceans (like crayfish) if available in its habitat. In the urban or suburban environment, raccoons will also eat human refuse, oftentimes foraging in garbage cans for food.
  
  

Dens and Habitat

• Like its eating habits, the raccoon is opportunistic in its living behaviors: the animal doesn't create its own den but will rely on the environment or abandoned dens of other animals. Raccoons require dens for their offspring and to rest during the daytime. In rural habitats, raccoons make their dens in any small, secure location; fallen logs and tree holes are common spots. In urban environments, or those with people, the raccoon may make its habitat in window wells, attics, basements and garages.
  
  

Lifecycle and Habitat

• In addition to its own needs, the raccoon requires a safe habitat for its offspring. For the first two months of their lives, raccoon offspring--usually born in litters of three or four--remain in the animal's den. Starting in early summer, the young start accompanying the mother outside of the den to feed. Though raccoons don't hibernate, they become inactive during the wintertime, resting for long stretches in their habitat, another reason the animal necessitates a secure, safe place to live.