Raccoons are among North America’s most recognizable and widely distributed wildlife, easily identified by their distinct facial markings. These highly adaptable mammals thrive across various environments, from wilderness areas to dense urban settings. Their success stems largely from their flexible behavior and ability to exploit numerous resources in any given habitat. A closer look at their feeding habits reveals their generalist approach.
Raccoons’ Generalist Diet
The raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) is classified as a true omnivore, meaning its diet consists of both animal and plant matter. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows them to consume a vast array of food sources, depending on seasonal availability and local abundance. In natural settings, their diet includes plant material such as wild fruits, berries, nuts, and grains. They regularly consume small vertebrates like rodents, young birds, and eggs, alongside aquatic life such as frogs, fish, and crayfish. The invertebrate portion of their diet is also substantial, often consisting of earthworms, snails, and various insects.
The Role of Termites in Raccoon Nutrition
Raccoons will consume termites, classifying them as part of the invertebrate portion of their diet, but these insects are not a targeted or preferred food source. Termites are a minor, supplemental calorie source, typically consumed when a raccoon is already foraging for larger, more substantial prey. When a raccoon tears apart a decaying log or digs into the ground looking for grubs, earthworms, or other beetle larvae, it may opportunistically consume any termites it encounters. The effort-to-reward ratio for specifically hunting termites is generally low compared to foraging for other food items. Termite colonies, particularly subterranean ones, require significant effort to access, which raccoons usually avoid unless the colony is near the surface or in soft, decaying wood.
Primary Reasons Raccoons Enter Residential Areas
Raccoons are primarily drawn to residential areas by the promise of easily accessible, high-calorie food and secure shelter, not by the presence of subterranean pests. The convenience of human-provided food far outweighs the nutritional gain from foraging for small insects like termites. Unsecured garbage cans offer a dense, varied food source that requires relatively little effort to access, making them a major draw for nocturnal foraging. Pet food left outdoors and easily reachable bird feeders also provide dependable, concentrated energy sources that attract raccoons. Beyond food, raccoons seek shelter, particularly in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, which offer warmth and security for denning.