Diet: What Do Raccoons Eat?

By Bentley L. James Bentley L. James
Level: Platinum

Bentley James is very experienced when it comes to wildlife. All of his facts and information comes straight from his hands on experience and observations ...

Raccoons are not particular on their diet. Raccoons eat a numerous variety of foods. Raccoons are considered Omnivores, (ones that eat plants and meat.) Raccoons eat and scavenge for food all night, and it depends a lot on where they live.

For example: If a Raccoon lives in a heavily populated area like a city, they tend to eat out of dumpsters, trashcans, will eat pet food, can eat fish out of a backyard pond, and also have been known to eat road kill. A Raccoons diet in this particular location is not healthy, and Raccoons can get sick and be very unhealthy. On the other hand, if a Raccoon lives in Rural areas (country) they tend to have a healthier diet and will eat berries, crawfish, insects, small rodents, fruits, poultry, eggs, small snakes, frogs, and fish. Raccoons have an amazing survival instinct, which means they will rarely starve to death. (Which is not surprising with the amount of junk and waste there is)

Raccoons eat and scavenge mainly at night because they are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are awake at night. Raccoons have much determination when it comes to food and will do anything to get it. Raccoons usually scavenge and feed alone, but occasionally have friends join every now and then. They are notorious for making messes and destroying most anything to get what they want. If you have ever seen a Raccoon eat, you will notice how they use their hands. They are very touchy/feely with most everything. If Raccoons have a source of water nearby they have a habit of washing their food. It's almost as if they are playing with it in the water.

Bentley James is very experienced when it comes to wildlife. Most of his facts and information comes straight from his studies and experience with wildlife. He is an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. Bentley knows the outdoors and the amazing creatures that lurk all around it. Bentley also can identify an animal by just a few pieces of hair. Bentley hopes these articles can help you learn more about nature and what creatures are all around us every day. Check out my blog at http://knowyourwildlife.com/
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Article Submitted On: February 08, 2011