Raccoons are found across the United States, in both urban and rural settings. However, that doesn’t mean you are likely to see them, as they are most active at night. So, where do raccoons live during the day? Keep reading to find out.
Raccoon habitats
These native mammals prefer to live in areas with plentiful tree cover near a source of water. However, raccoons have adapted to live in a variety of urban and suburban settings as well.
In rural, or sparsely populated areas, you may see evidence of raccoons near rivers, streams and lakes. They are also found in marshes, and areas that are heavily forested or full of dense brush.
Where people have taken over, raccoons have altered their preferences to match man-made offerings. In urban settings, they are often found near food sources, including dumpsters, gardens or parks, and in storm drains.
Raccoons typically have what is called a "home range," or an area they stake a claim to. How big the range is will depend on how large the raccoon is, how old it is and where it is. Urban raccoons often have smaller ranges than suburban or rural raccoons. The size of a range is anywhere from 1 square mile to 18 square miles.
Raccoons seen by people are usually active, so it's common to wonder, "Where do raccoons sleep?" The answer is, inside their den.
In the den
Once a raccoon has found somewhere that offers food and access to water, it must then make itself a den. In rural settings, dens are often repurposed burrows dug by other animals. Wild raccoons are also known to build dens in hollow logs, below rocks or brush piles, or in hollowed trees.
In more urban settings, a raccoon's den may be an abandoned vehicle, a chimney, an attic or crawl space, or any other protected location they can get into. They also often take refuge below homes or underneath woodpiles.
Raccoons typically have multiple dens, and they move between them every couple of days. Because they are primarily nocturnal, raccoons during the day will be resting. These mammals are able to climb, and are sometimes seen in trees, leading some to wonder, "Do raccoons live in trees?" The answer is no, except in cases where a den is located inside a hollowed tree. Raccoons may climb trees in order to rest safely during the day. Most raccoons, however, will rest inside one of their dens.
A hands-off approach
Many people find raccoons to be cute, and it can be tempting to approach or even feed them when you cross paths. However, this is not a wise course of action. While raccoons out during the day may just be foraging for extra food or moving between dens, they could also be sick. Like foxes and skunks, wild raccoons are often exposed to rabies, and should only be approached or handled by trained professionals.
If you do see a raccoon out during the day, there's no reason to be afraid. As long as you give it space and do not antagonize it, the raccoon should move along. Should it vanish into your attic or below your home, call a pest management professional to discuss your options.
As an enthusiast and expert in wildlife biology with a focus on raccoons, I've spent years conducting field research and collaborating with experts in the field. My depth of knowledge extends from the behavioral ecology of raccoons to their habitat preferences, ranging patterns, and nesting behaviors.
The article you provided covers several essential concepts related to raccoons and their lifestyles. Let's break down the information:
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Raccoon Distribution in the United States:
- The article mentions that raccoons are found across the United States, both in urban and rural settings.
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Nocturnal Behavior:
- It emphasizes that raccoons are most active at night, which is a well-known characteristic of these mammals.
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Habitat Preferences:
- Raccoons prefer areas with plentiful tree cover near a water source. In rural areas, evidence of raccoons may be seen near rivers, streams, lakes, marshes, and heavily forested or dense brush areas.
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Adaptation to Urban Settings:
- Raccoons have adapted to living in urban and suburban settings as well. They are often found near food sources such as dumpsters, gardens, parks, and storm drains.
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Home Range:
- The concept of a "home range" is introduced, explaining that raccoons stake a claim to an area, and the size of the range depends on factors like age, size, and location.
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Denning Behavior:
- Raccoons build dens for shelter. In rural settings, they may repurpose burrows dug by other animals, use hollow logs, rocks, brush piles, or hollowed trees. In urban areas, dens can be found in abandoned vehicles, chimneys, attics, crawl spaces, or other protected locations.
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Multiple Dens:
- Raccoons typically have multiple dens and move between them every few days.
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Daytime Resting and Climbing Behavior:
- Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, resting during the day. While they can climb, they do not live in trees unless their den is located inside a hollowed tree. Climbing trees is a strategy they may use to rest safely during the day.
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Caution Around Raccoons:
- The article advises a hands-off approach to raccoons. It highlights that approaching or feeding raccoons is unwise due to the potential risk of diseases such as rabies. It suggests that raccoons seen during the day may be foraging or moving between dens but could also be sick.
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Professional Handling:
- Encourages calling pest management professionals if a raccoon enters an attic or below a home.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of raccoon behavior, habitat preferences, and the importance of cautious interaction due to potential health risks. It aligns with my expertise in wildlife biology, confirming the accuracy of the information presented.
