General Information

Raccoons are native to Ohio and very adaptable. They can live in almost any habitat, and their populations are continuously growing. As a result of this population increase, diseases such as rabies and distemper have been spreading quickly through the raccoon population. However, it is a misconception that all raccoons have rabies. Although raccoons are usually nocturnal and most active at night, they can also be seen during the day. If a raccoon is not able to find enough food during the evening hours or a mother has young and needs to forage for extra food, it will be out during daylight hours. This does not mean that the raccoon is unhealthy.

Meet Our Raccoon

Meeko, an albino raccoon, lives at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Lifespan

Wild: 2–3 years
Captivity: 10–15 years

Fun Facts

• Raccoons have an exceptional sense of touch. Their hypersensitive paws become more sensitive and pliable when wet. They will often take food to a stream and move the food around in the water, making it look like they are washing it. What they are actually doing is breaking up the food in the water and using their super-sensitive paws to determine what type of food it is and whether they should eat it.
• Although raccoons are usually nocturnal, they do come out during the day to find extra food when food is scarce or extra food is necessary. For example, if there is a stretch of harsh weather or they have youngsters to care for, they may go out looking for additional food at any time of day. 
• Raccoons are good climbers, swimmers, and runners. They can reach speeds of up to 15 mph.
• Raccoons are omnivores. Their diet consists mainly of invertebrates and plant matter. In addition, they will eat fruits, eggs, nuts, rodents, amphibians, and crustaceans. If ample food cannot be found in the wild, they will scavenge through human garbage and food left out for household pets, if they access to it.