The Omnivorous Nature of Raccoons
Raccoons, those masked bandits of the animal kingdom, are renowned for their cleverness and adaptability. These resourceful creatures can thrive in diverse environments, from dense forests to bustling urban centers. One of the keys to their survival is their incredibly flexible diet. But what exactly do raccoons like to eat? This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of raccoon cuisine, exploring their eating habits, food preferences, and the impact of their diet on their overall well-being. Raccoons are truly adaptable to finding the best food source and being knowledgeable about what they eat can help deter them from your property.
Raccoons are classified as omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. This dietary versatility is a major advantage, allowing them to survive in areas where other, more specialized animals might struggle. Unlike herbivores, which rely solely on plants, or carnivores, which primarily eat meat, raccoons can readily switch between different food sources depending on availability. This adaptability is crucial, as their diet often changes with the seasons and the specific environment they inhabit. A raccoon living in a forest might feast on berries and insects during the summer, while one residing in a city might scavenge for discarded food in garbage cans. Their omnivorous nature enables them to exploit a wide range of resources, making them highly successful survivors.
Natural Foods in the Wild
In their natural habitat, raccoons enjoy a varied diet that reflects the abundance of their surroundings. They are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll take advantage of whatever food is readily available.
Insects and Invertebrates
Raccoons are avid consumers of insects and other invertebrates. These small creatures provide a valuable source of protein and other essential nutrients. Raccoons are particularly fond of crayfish, often wading into shallow streams and ponds to hunt them. They also eat beetles, grasshoppers, worms, and a variety of other insects they find crawling around on the ground or under rocks.
Fruits and Berries
When fruits and berries are in season, raccoons eagerly devour them. Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are particular favorites. They also enjoy apples, grapes, and other fruits they find growing in the wild. These fruits provide a source of carbohydrates and vitamins, helping them to build up energy reserves for the leaner months.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are another important component of the raccoon diet, especially during the fall and winter months. Acorns are a staple food for raccoons in many areas. They also eat other nuts like pecans and walnuts, as well as a variety of seeds. These foods are rich in fats and proteins, providing a concentrated source of energy to help them survive the cold weather.
Small Animals
While raccoons are not strictly carnivorous, they do occasionally prey on small animals. They will eat frogs, fish, rodents such as mice and voles, and even the eggs of birds and turtles. These animals provide a source of protein and other essential nutrients that may be lacking in their plant-based diet.
Foods Raccoons Eat in Urban and Suburban Environments
As raccoon populations have expanded into urban and suburban areas, their diet has adapted to include new and readily available food sources. While the above foods are their common food sources when living in nature, they are not always readily available.
Garbage and Compost
Unfortunately, garbage and compost have become a significant part of the raccoon diet in urban and suburban environments. Raccoons are attracted to the scent of discarded food, and they will often raid garbage cans and compost bins in search of a meal. This can create a nuisance for homeowners and also pose a health risk to raccoons, as they may ingest harmful bacteria, toxins, or sharp objects. This is especially harmful to pets around your neighborhood as raccoons often carry diseases.
Pet Food
Outdoor pet food bowls are another common target for raccoons. They are drawn to the scent of pet food and will readily consume it if given the opportunity. This can lead to conflict with pets, as raccoons may become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they are competing for food.
Bird Feeders
Bird feeders are also attractive to raccoons, as they provide a readily available source of seeds and nuts. Raccoons are adept at climbing and can easily access bird feeders, often emptying them in a single night.
Garden Produce
Raccoons are known to raid gardens, eating vegetables such as corn and tomatoes, as well as fruits. They can cause significant damage to gardens, digging up plants and scattering debris in their search for food. Raccoons are naturally curious and will try almost anything that they think is food in the garden.
Raccoon Food Preferences
While raccoons are opportunistic eaters, they do have certain food preferences. Studies have shown that they tend to prefer foods that are high in fat and sugar, such as nuts, fruits, and even greasy garbage. They also seem to have a preference for foods that are easy to handle and consume. While specific food preferences can vary depending on the region and individual raccoon, these general trends hold true. Their heightened senses of smell and touch play a crucial role in determining their food choices. Their sensitive paws allow them to identify objects and food items even in low-light conditions, while their strong sense of smell helps them locate food sources from a distance.
The “Washing” Behavior of Raccoons
Raccoons are known for their seemingly odd behavior of “washing” their food before eating it. This has led to the popular belief that they are meticulously cleaning their food. However, current scientific understanding suggests that this behavior is more complex.
The “washing” motion is actually more of a manipulation, where raccoons rub and manipulate food items in water. One leading hypothesis is that this behavior enhances their tactile perception. Raccoons have highly sensitive paws with numerous nerve endings, and immersing their food in water may allow them to better assess its texture and identify any potential hazards. Another possibility is that the water helps to moisten the food, making it easier to swallow, especially if it’s dry or hard.
The Impact of Diet on Raccoon Health
A raccoon’s diet has a significant impact on its health and well-being. A healthy diet consisting of natural foods such as fruits, nuts, insects, and small animals provides them with the essential nutrients they need to thrive. This helps them maintain a healthy weight, strong immune system, and good overall health.
On the other hand, an unhealthy diet consisting primarily of garbage, pet food, and other processed foods can lead to a number of health problems. These foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients, which can lead to obesity and malnutrition. Overweight raccoons may have difficulty moving around and escaping predators, while malnourished raccoons may be more susceptible to disease. Poor diet can also affect a raccoon’s behavior, making them more aggressive, less social, and more prone to engaging in risky activities.
How to Prevent Raccoons from Accessing Food
Preventing raccoons from accessing food is crucial for both their health and the well-being of your property. Here are some effective strategies:
Securing Garbage Cans
The most important step is to secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. You can also use bungee cords or straps to keep the lids securely in place. Consider using a trash can with a locking mechanism to prevent raccoons from opening it. Store garbage cans in a garage or shed whenever possible.
Bringing Pet Food Indoors at Night
Never leave pet food outdoors overnight. This is a sure way to attract raccoons to your property. Bring pet food bowls indoors in the evening and store them in a secure location.
Using Raccoon-Proof Bird Feeders
If you enjoy feeding birds, use raccoon-proof bird feeders. These feeders are designed to prevent raccoons from accessing the seed. Look for feeders with cages or baffles that make it difficult for raccoons to reach the food.
Protecting Gardens with Fences or Netting
If you have a garden, protect it with fences or netting. This will help to keep raccoons from eating your vegetables and fruits. You can also use motion-activated sprinklers to deter raccoons from entering your garden.
Emphasize the Importance of Not Intentionally Feeding Raccoons
It is never a good idea to intentionally feed raccoons. This can lead to them becoming dependent on humans for food and may encourage them to approach people more frequently. Feeding raccoons can also contribute to the spread of diseases.
Conclusion
Raccoons are remarkably adaptable omnivores with a varied diet that reflects their environment. From the insects and fruits of the wild to the discarded scraps of urban life, raccoons are adept at finding food wherever they go. Understanding their dietary habits is key to preventing them from becoming a nuisance and ensuring their overall well-being. By securing garbage cans, bringing pet food indoors, and protecting gardens, we can minimize the attraction of raccoons to our properties and help them maintain a healthy diet. Responsible waste management and a conscious effort to avoid attracting raccoons are essential for coexisting peacefully with these intelligent and resourceful creatures. Raccoons play a large role in our environment and it is up to us to ensure we are doing the best to deter them from our property and living our lives.
