Raccoons are common, adaptable mammals found across diverse North American landscapes, from dense forests to bustling urban areas. These nocturnal creatures are recognized by their distinctive black mask and ringed tail. While their presence is widespread, a frequent question concerns their physical dimensions. Raccoon size varies considerably, influenced by several factors, meaning there is no single answer to their dimensions, but rather a range of typical measurements.
Average Raccoon Dimensions
The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal, measuring between 40 to 70 centimeters (16 to 28 inches) in body length, excluding the tail. Their bushy, ringed tail adds another 20 to 40 centimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches) to their overall length. An adult raccoon stands about 23 to 30 centimeters (9.1 to 11.8 inches) tall at the shoulder.
Body weight for an adult common raccoon ranges from 5 to 12 kilograms (11 to 26 pounds). Individuals can be heavier, with some wild raccoons reaching up to 27 kilograms (60 pounds). The largest recorded wild raccoon weighed 28.4 kilograms (63 pounds) and measured 140 centimeters (55 inches) in total length.
Factors Affecting Raccoon Size
Individual raccoon size is subject to several influences beyond the species average. Age plays a role, as young raccoons, known as kits, grow rapidly in their first year, reaching near-adult size by 9 to 12 months, though they may continue to gain weight until about two years old. Sex also contributes to size differences, with males being 15 to 20% heavier and larger than females.
Diet and food availability significantly impact a raccoon’s growth and overall size. Raccoons with consistent access to varied and abundant food sources, such as those in urban environments, are larger than their wild counterparts. This increased access to high-calorie human food scraps can lead to greater body mass. Seasonality also influences weight, as raccoons build fat reserves in the summer and autumn to prepare for winter, potentially doubling their spring weight.
Regional and Species Variations
Geographic location can also lead to differences in raccoon size. Raccoons inhabiting northern parts of their range grow larger than those found in southern regions. This pattern helps animals conserve body heat in colder climates through increased body mass. These northern raccoons also develop thicker fur coats for insulation during winter.
While the common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is widely recognized, other species within the Procyon genus also exist with their own distinct size ranges. The Crab-eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus), found in Central and South America, is smaller than the common raccoon, measuring between 45 to 65 centimeters (17.7 to 25.6 inches) in length and weighing 3 to 7 kilograms (6.6 to 15.4 pounds). Additionally, some island subspecies, such as the Cozumel raccoon, are notably smaller, weighing only 3 to 4 kilograms (6.6 to 8.8 pounds).