The northern raccoon (\(Procyon lotor\)) is an adaptable mammal that has established a wide presence across Utah, despite not being historically abundant. Raccoons are recognized by their distinctive black mask and bushy, ringed tail, traits that accompany their opportunistic nature. Their intelligence allows them to thrive in various environments, from rural habitats to dense urban centers. Residents must understand their habits, diet, and the state’s specific wildlife regulations concerning them.
Where Raccoons Are Found in Utah
Raccoons are not distributed uniformly across Utah’s landscape, but their population is concentrated in areas that provide reliable access to water. They are most commonly found in the state’s lower elevations, particularly along the riparian habitats of major river systems. This includes the cottonwood and willow-lined river bottoms of the Jordan River, Weber River, and other agricultural waterways.
Raccoons have flourished within the urban corridor of the Wasatch Front, where development provides shelter and food. Trapping records indicate they have been documented in every county across Utah, demonstrating their wide range. Their survival depends on proximity to water and the availability of cover, which they find in both natural riverbanks and developed neighborhoods.
Raccoon Behavior and Localized Diet
Raccoons exhibit characteristic nocturnal behavior, primarily active between dusk and dawn. This nighttime activity helps them avoid predators and human interaction, though they may forage during the day if food is scarce. Their denning preferences reflect their adaptability; they utilize natural hollow trees and abandoned burrows, but readily transition to man-made structures. Within urban settings, raccoons often seek shelter in attics, chimneys, under sheds, and basements.
As opportunistic omnivores, the raccoon’s diet is varied and depends on what is locally available. In natural riparian zones, their diet consists of aquatic organisms like crayfish, frogs, insects, bird eggs, and wild fruits. In developed areas, their foraging shifts to include human-related food sources. They consume pet food left outdoors, garden vegetables, and discarded food scraps, often accessing them by tipping over unsecured trash cans.
Managing Raccoon Encounters and State Regulations
Raccoons are not classified as protected wildlife under Utah state law, meaning no hunting or trapping license is required for their removal. However, residents should focus on preventative measures to minimize conflicts, as raccoons are estimated to cause a significant percentage of urban wildlife problems in the state. Securing all outdoor garbage in cans with locking lids and immediately removing pet food and water bowls before nightfall are effective ways to deter them.
Relocation of raccoons by private citizens is prohibited, and state law governs the handling of any live animal. Utah law prohibits the possession of a live raccoon without a permit issued by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, classifying it as a Class B misdemeanor. Raccoons also pose a health risk; blood tests have shown a high percentage of tested animals were exposed to rabies. They can carry the parasitic raccoon roundworm, requiring caution and professional consultation when dealing with a den or feces.