Raccoons are common, adaptable mammals found across North America. Known for their distinctive masked faces and ringed tails, they thrive in various environments, from forests to urban areas. This article explores the typical physical dimensions of raccoons and the factors that contribute to their size variability.
Raccoon Size and Measurements
Raccoon shoulder height typically ranges between 9 and 12 inches (23 to 30 cm), though some can reach up to 17.7 inches (45 cm).
Body length, excluding the tail, spans 16 to 28 inches (40 to 70 cm). Their tail adds significant length, measuring 7.5 to 16 inches (19 to 41 cm). Total length, including the tail, can range from 20 to 38 inches (51 to 97 cm).
Adult raccoons commonly weigh between 10 and 23 pounds (4.5 to 10.5 kg). Weight can vary considerably, with some individuals reaching 35 pounds (15.9 kg) in the wild. Males are generally larger and heavier than females, 10% to 30% heavier. The heaviest wild raccoon on record weighed 62.6 pounds (28.4 kg), while a captive raccoon reached nearly 75 pounds.
What Influences a Raccoon’s Size
Several factors influence raccoon size. Age plays a role, as juvenile raccoons are smaller and lighter than adults. Kits are born weighing only a few ounces but grow rapidly, often doubling their size in the first month. They typically reach adult weight by about four months of age.
Diet and food availability significantly impact a raccoon’s growth and overall size. Raccoons are omnivores and opportunistic eaters, consuming a wide variety of foods including fruits, nuts, insects, and small animals. Abundant food sources, particularly in urban or suburban environments, allow raccoons to gain more weight, leading to larger individuals compared to those in less resource-rich areas. Raccoons also gain significant weight in the fall to build fat reserves for winter, sometimes doubling their spring weight.
Geographic location also influences raccoon size, with some subspecies exhibiting distinct size differences. Raccoons found near the northern limits of their range tend to be larger, while the smallest specimens are often found in southern Florida and on adjacent islands. This pattern, where body mass increases further north, is influenced by adaptations to colder climates. Genetics also contributes to an individual raccoon’s size potential, as some are naturally predisposed to be larger or smaller than others.