Raccoons are common, adaptable animals found in diverse environments. Their distinctive appearance and nocturnal habits often lead to questions about their physical attributes, particularly their size. Understanding a raccoon’s typical dimensions provides insight into this widespread North American species.
Typical Raccoon Dimensions and Weight
An adult raccoon typically measures between 40 and 70 centimeters (16 to 28 inches) from its head to its hindquarters. The bushy tail adds a significant length, generally ranging from 20 to 40 centimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches). When standing on all fours, a raccoon’s shoulder height usually falls between 23 and 30 centimeters (9.1 to 11.8 inches). Including the tail, the total body length from nose to tail tip can span 72 to 104 centimeters (28.3 to 41.0 inches).
The weight of an adult raccoon can vary considerably, typically ranging from 5 to 12 kilograms (11 to 26 pounds). Some individuals may weigh as little as 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or as much as 26 kilograms (57.3 pounds). The largest wild raccoon on record weighed 28.4 kilograms (63 pounds) and measured 140 centimeters (55 inches) in total length. Raccoons living in captive environments, with consistent access to food, have been known to reach even higher weights, sometimes exceeding 40 to 60 pounds.
Factors Influencing Raccoon Size
Several elements contribute to the variations observed in raccoon size. Age plays a role, as young raccoons grow significantly, reaching physical maturity within a year or two. Sex also influences size, with male raccoons generally weighing 15 to 20 percent more than females.
Geographic location is another factor, with raccoons in northern latitudes tending to be heavier than those in southern regions. For instance, the smallest subspecies are found along the southern coast of Florida, while larger specimens reside near the northern limits of their range. The availability of food resources is a significant determinant of a raccoon’s size. Raccoons in urban areas often have consistent access to high-calorie food sources like garbage and pet food, leading to larger sizes compared to their wild counterparts. Raccoons can also double their weight from spring to winter by storing fat, though they may lose up to 50 percent of their body mass during severe winters.
Key Physical Characteristics
Beyond their dimensions, raccoons possess several distinguishing physical features. They have a stocky body with relatively short legs, with hind legs slightly longer than their front legs. Their fur is typically a grizzled grayish-brown, with variations including yellowish or darker shades. A dense underfur provides insulation.
The most recognizable feature is the black “mask” of fur around their eyes, which sharply contrasts with the lighter fur on their face. This mask is often framed by white fur around the eyes, ears, and snout. Their tails are bushy and marked by several distinct dark rings, usually between five and ten. Their highly dexterous front paws, each with five digits that resemble small human hands, allow them to grasp and manipulate objects with remarkable skill.