Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are highly adaptable and primarily nocturnal creatures. Their presence is often first noticed through their varied vocalizations. Raccoons are far more communicative than many people realize, possessing a broad sound repertoire used to convey everything from contentment to extreme distress. Understanding these unique sounds helps determine what the masked visitor in your yard or attic is trying to express.
Yes, But Mostly Kits: The Raccoon Squeak
Raccoons do produce a squeak sound, though it is most prominently associated with their young, known as kits. This high-pitched noise is a common signal of need or distress from a kit seeking the attention of its mother, signaling hunger or cold.
Adult raccoons may rarely produce a similar high-pitched sound, sometimes described as a squeal or whimper. This is usually reserved for non-aggressive scenarios. When adults vocalize in this higher register, it is often a soft communication or a sign of pain or fear rather than a social greeting.
The Complete Raccoon Sound Portfolio
Adult raccoons employ a diverse range of vocalizations for daily communication and conflict. One of the most frequently heard sounds is the churr or trill, which is a soft, rhythmic noise often used as a conversational sound between a mother and her young. This sound suggests contentment or a peaceful interaction, such as when they are feeding or resting.
Conversely, a low growl, often accompanied by a hiss, signals a clear warning of aggression or defense. This deep sound is used when a raccoon feels threatened or is defending a resource like a food source or a den site. The growl is meant to deter an intruder without immediately resorting to a physical confrontation.
The most jarring sound is the loud, piercing scream or shriek, which can be mistaken for a human cry of distress. This intense vocalization is typically a sign of extreme fear, pain, or is heard during violent fights, such as territorial disputes or aggressive mating rituals. Raccoons also utilize barking, often a signal of excitement or pain, and sometimes a whistle to communicate over distance.
Deciphering Vocalizations and Behavior
The context, volume, and pitch of a raccoon’s sound are important for understanding its underlying behavior. Repetitive, high-pitched cries from a specific location might indicate a nest of kits whose mother is absent or injured, signaling a possible den location.
Aggressive vocalizations like growls and hisses are often combined with specific body language. A raccoon will lower its head and arch its back while growling to appear larger and more threatening to an opponent. Conversely, the loud, drawn-out screams heard during mating season are part of the male’s courtship display and competition for a female.