Raccoons are common nocturnal mammals known for their distinctive masked faces and agile paws. These animals are quite vocal, producing a variety of sounds that can often surprise or confuse people unfamiliar with their habits. Understanding the different noises raccoons make can help in identifying their presence nearby, especially during nighttime hours.
Common Raccoon Vocalizations
Raccoons produce a wide array of vocalizations, each with a unique sound quality. One common sound is chittering, which resembles a combination of purring and clicking noises made with the throat, teeth, and salivary glands. Raccoons also growl, a low, guttural sound that can sometimes transition into a snarl.
Hissing is another sound raccoons make, especially when feeling threatened or agitated. This sound is similar to a cat’s hiss but can be louder. Raccoons also purr, a faint, rhythmic sound often described as similar to a kitten’s purr. It may also sound like a “churr” or “churr-churr.”
Screaming and whimpering are also part of their vocal repertoire. Screams are loud and high-pitched, sometimes mistaken for a human baby’s cry. Whimpers are softer, high-pitched whines or squeals.
Interpreting Raccoon Sounds
The diverse sounds raccoons make often correspond to specific behaviors or situations. Chittering is frequently heard when mother raccoons communicate with their kits, acting as a calming sound. Adult raccoons also chitter when nervous, scared, uncomfortable, or during mating season to signal readiness to breed.
Growling indicates a raccoon feels threatened, cornered, or is expressing aggression. This sound warns other animals or humans to maintain distance. Hissing also serves as a defensive sound, signaling anger or a sense of danger. Both growling and hissing can precede a physical altercation.
Purring or churring conveys contentment or satisfaction. Young raccoons purr when being groomed or cared for by their mother, and adults may purr when eating or interacting with their young. Screaming signifies distress, pain, or extreme fear. Screams can also occur during mating, where females might scream in response to male advances. Whimpering indicates hunger, cold, or general distress, and adult raccoons may whimper if injured or in pain.
Distinguishing Raccoon Sounds from Other Nocturnal Animals
Differentiating raccoon sounds from those of other nocturnal animals can be challenging due to similarities. Raccoons are known to whistle, a high-pitched, musical sound that can carry over distances, similar to an owl’s whistle. This can lead to confusion, as owls also produce distinct hooting and screeching calls.
Foxes are known for their eerie, high-pitched screams or barks, which can sometimes be mistaken for raccoon distress calls or mating sounds. However, fox vocalizations have a more piercing quality. Domestic cats can also hiss and growl, but raccoon vocalizations are louder and encompass a broader range of sounds. Opossums, another common nocturnal visitor, tend to be quieter but can produce hisses, growls, and clicking sounds when threatened, though their vocal repertoire is less extensive than raccoons. Observing accompanying sounds, like rustling or thumping, along with the vocalizations can help identify the animal.