The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable mammal known for thriving in diverse environments, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Recognized by its distinctive black “mask” and ringed tail, this nocturnal forager has earned a reputation for being exceptionally clever and resourceful. Its success in human-dominated landscapes often leads to questions about its behavior and interaction with human objects. This article explores the popular question of whether raccoons are attracted to shiny objects and clarifies what truly captures their attention.
Fact vs. Folklore
Contrary to popular belief, raccoons are not specifically attracted to shiny objects like coins, jewelry, or aluminum foil. The widespread idea that they are drawn to “sparkly” items, similar to certain corvids, lacks substantial scientific evidence. This folklore stems from a misinterpretation of the raccoon’s natural curiosity toward any new or unusual item encountered during its nighttime explorations.
A raccoon’s primary motivation is to find food, and its exploratory behavior is driven by the question of edibility. A shiny object, being novel and manipulable, simply piques its interest as a potential food source, not as a prized possession. The myth is reinforced when raccoons interact with discarded items, but their attention is not focused on the object’s reflectivity. For raccoons, an unfamiliar object is simply something to be investigated with the paws.
The Role of Dexterity and Touch
The raccoon’s primary method for understanding its environment is an extraordinary sense of touch, not vision. Since they are primarily nocturnal, their eyes are not their most reliable tool in the dark, making tactile senses paramount for foraging. The front paws are exceptionally sensitive, acting almost as substitute eyes for exploring objects and finding food.
The paws contain a high concentration of sensory receptors, with some estimates suggesting up to 200,000 nerve endings per square inch on their hairless palms. Nearly two-thirds of the area in the raccoon’s cerebral cortex dedicated to sensory perception is specialized for interpreting these tactile impulses. This anatomical specialization allows them to identify an object’s texture, shape, and material composition purely by touch.
Raccoons frequently exhibit a behavior known as “dousing,” where they manipulate an object in water. This is often mistaken for “washing” their food, but its actual function is to heighten nerve sensitivity. The water makes the thin, horny layer protecting the paw pads more pliable, increasing the responsiveness of the tactile nerves. Their five non-opposable digits allow them to grip and examine items with remarkable precision before consuming them.
Actual Attractants for Raccoons
Raccoons are not motivated by non-essential, shiny objects, but by fundamental needs for survival: food, water, and shelter. The powerful attractants that draw them into human spaces are directly related to their opportunistic, omnivorous diet. Accessible garbage bins are a primary lure, offering a reliable, high-calorie food source with minimal effort.
Raccoons are drawn to several common resources found in residential areas:
Food Sources
Pet food left in bowls, backyard bird feeders, and natural food sources like fallen fruit or garden vegetables are strong attractants. These readily available meals outweigh any fleeting interest in a non-nutritive object.
Water and Shelter
Water sources further encourage a raccoon’s presence, including bird baths, decorative ponds, and standing water from leaky fixtures. They also seek secure shelter for resting during the day and raising their young. Common den sites include chimneys, attics, sheds, and the protected spaces beneath decks. Securing all outdoor food and water sources and blocking potential entry points is the most effective way to discourage their presence.