Raccoons are highly adaptable omnivores found across diverse habitats, from wild woodlands to bustling urban centers. Their varied diet is a significant factor in their successful survival and widespread presence.
Natural Foraging
In natural habitats, raccoons consume a variety of plant and animal matter. Plant-based foods include fruits, berries, nuts like acorns and walnuts, seeds, corn, and various grains. They exhibit a seasonal dietary shift, preferring fruits and nuts in late summer and autumn to build fat reserves for winter. Animal-based items are equally varied, encompassing insects such as beetles, grubs, and crickets, as well as worms, crayfish, mollusks, and small amphibians like frogs. Raccoons also prey on fish, eggs from birds or reptiles, and small rodents, and will scavenge carrion when available. Their opportunistic nature allows them to exploit different resources throughout the year. Their dexterous front paws aid in manipulating and finding food.
Adapting to Human Environments
In human environments, their diet expands to include readily available human food sources. They frequently scavenge food waste from garbage cans and dumpsters, which often provides abundant and easily accessible meals. Pet food left outdoors becomes another common dietary component for these opportunistic feeders.
Garden produce, including vegetables and fruits, also attracts raccoons, as do compost piles and contents from bird feeders. These human-associated food sources can significantly supplement or even largely replace their natural diet due to their consistent availability. Raccoons’ nocturnal habits further facilitate their scavenging activities, allowing them to forage largely unnoticed.
Foods to Avoid
Certain human foods are harmful to raccoons. Chocolate, cocoa, and coffee contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic and can cause severe health problems or death. Onions, garlic, and many spices contain compounds like disulfides and sulfoxides that can induce anemia in these animals.
Raisins have been linked to kidney failure in some animals, making them unsafe, though fresh grapes appear to be less problematic. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems.
Processed foods high in sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats can lead to nutritional deficiencies and obesity, while dairy products may cause digestive upset due to widespread lactose intolerance in adult raccoons. Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injuries, making them unsafe. Avoiding direct feeding protects both the animals and human safety.