The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a familiar mammal across North, Central, and South America, instantly recognizable by its characteristic black mask and ringed tail. This species is highly adaptable, successfully inhabiting diverse environments from remote forests to dense urban centers. Its resilience and widespread presence are largely attributed to its ability to exploit nearly any available resource. The raccoon’s reputation for resourcefulness is well-earned, allowing it to thrive even in close proximity to human settlements where food sources are often concentrated.
Raccoons as Opportunistic Omnivores
Raccoons are classified as omnivores, meaning their diet includes both plant and animal matter. They are highly opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of food sources based on seasonal availability and location. In natural settings, their plant-based diet includes wild grains, fruits, berries, nuts, and mast like acorns.
The animal component of their diet is broad, encompassing small vertebrates such as mice, frogs, and fish, as well as aquatic life like crayfish and clams. This dietary flexibility permits them to colonize and flourish in many different habitats. They are programmed to eat whatever is readily accessible, though they select calorie-dense items when food is plentiful.
Specifics of Insect and Ant Consumption
Raccoons do eat ants, as ants and other invertebrates form a regular and important part of their animal diet. Insects, their larvae (grubs), earthworms, and spiders are a staple food source in the wild. These invertebrates provide a concentrated source of protein and fat, which is particularly beneficial for raccoons building up reserves, especially in the fall.
Raccoons specifically target protein-rich insects and their larval forms, such as the white grubs of beetles found beneath the soil surface. Consuming invertebrates, including ants and their pupae, is a reliable way to access high-quality nutrition. This food source is often easier to find and catch than small vertebrates, and this behavior also helps control various pest species.
Foraging Methods for Finding Prey
Raccoons possess specialized senses and physical adaptations that make them efficient hunters of ground-dwelling invertebrates. Their front paws are exceptionally dexterous, often compared to human hands, and are equipped with non-retractable claws used for climbing and digging. The sense of touch is the raccoon’s most acute sensory tool, with a large portion of its brain dedicated to processing tactile information.
This sensitivity allows a raccoon to identify hidden food, such as an insect or grub, through touch alone, even in complete darkness or murky water. When searching for burrowing prey like grubs or ant colonies, raccoons use their sharp claws to tear back large sections of turf or leaf litter. They will also overturn rocks and probe soft soil with their sensitive digits to locate subterranean nests and larvae. Their acute sense of smell assists in locating pockets of larvae beneath the sod, prompting them to dig in specific spots.