Introduction
Masked bandits of the night, raccoons are notorious for their ability to find food in unexpected places. From overturning trash cans to raiding gardens, these resourceful creatures have earned a reputation as opportunistic eaters. But what exactly do raccoons like to eat? These highly adaptable mammals are actually omnivores, meaning their diet consists of both plants and animals. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the wide variety of foods that raccoons enjoy, both in their natural habitat and in the increasingly urbanized environments where they often cross paths with humans. Raccoons have a varied diet, opportunistic eating habits and a clear food preference, which will be highlighted throughout this article. We’ll delve into what they eat in the wild, what they scavenge for in our neighborhoods, and most importantly, what you should never feed them.
Raccoons in the Wild: A Natural Diet
In their natural habitat, raccoons have access to a diverse array of food sources. Their diet is largely determined by the season and the availability of specific items in their environment. They are skilled foragers, adept at finding and capturing a wide range of prey and gleaning nutritious plant matter. Understanding their natural diet is crucial to appreciating their adaptability and the challenges they face in altered landscapes.
Invertebrates: Nature’s Bounty
A significant portion of a raccoon’s diet consists of invertebrates. These protein-rich creatures are readily available and provide essential nutrients. Raccoons are particularly fond of earthworms, which they can easily dig up from moist soil. Insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles, also make up a substantial part of their invertebrate intake. Raccoons are also adept at catching crayfish in streams and ponds. Snails and slugs, while perhaps not the most appetizing to humans, are another source of food for these adaptable omnivores. These little creatures are an important part of what food do raccoons like the most.
Vertebrates: Small Prey, Big Meal
While invertebrates are a staple, raccoons are also capable of preying on small vertebrates. They will opportunistically catch fish in shallow water, using their sensitive paws to locate and grab their slippery prey. Amphibians, such as frogs and toads, are also a common target, especially during their breeding season when they are abundant. Raccoons have also been known to consume reptiles, including lizards and snakes, whenever the opportunity arises. They also raid nests to consume bird eggs and turtle eggs. Small rodents, like mice and voles, also fall prey to raccoons, particularly when other food sources are scarce.
Fruits and Berries: Sweet Treats from Nature
Raccoons have a sweet tooth and readily consume fruits and berries when they are in season. Wild berries, such as raspberries and blackberries, are a favorite, providing them with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Other fruits, like apples, pears, and grapes, are also readily consumed when available. These sugary treats provide a quick energy boost, especially important as they prepare for the colder months.
Other Plant Matter: Seeds, Grains, and Roots
In addition to fruits and berries, raccoons also consume other types of plant matter. Seeds and grains can provide a valuable source of carbohydrates, while roots can offer essential minerals. Their diet is diverse, allowing them to adapt to various environmental conditions and food availability.
Seasonal Variations: A Year-Round Feast
A raccoon’s diet changes throughout the year, reflecting the changing availability of different food sources. In the spring and summer, they focus on invertebrates and vertebrates, which are abundant during these months. As autumn approaches, they shift their focus to fruits, berries, and nuts, building up fat reserves to help them survive the winter. During the winter months, when food is scarce, raccoons may become less active and rely on their stored fat reserves to get them through. The food availability drastically effects what food do raccoons like and consume during specific seasons.
Raccoons in Urban and Suburban Environments: Adapting to Human Food
As human populations have expanded, raccoons have increasingly found themselves living in close proximity to humans. This has led them to adapt their diets and eating habits to take advantage of the food sources available in urban and suburban environments. While they still retain their ability to forage for natural foods, they have also become adept at scavenging for human food.
Garbage and Compost: An Easy Meal Ticket
One of the primary reasons raccoons are attracted to urban and suburban areas is the abundance of garbage and compost. They are notorious for overturning trash cans in search of food scraps and leftovers. While this may seem like an easy meal for the raccoon, it can actually be detrimental to their health. Garbage often contains processed foods, high in sugar and salt, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. Exposure to toxins and discarded chemicals in garbage also pose a significant risk.
Pet Food: A Tempting Target
Pet food left outside, whether dry kibble or wet food, is another easy target for raccoons. The smell of pet food can attract them from great distances, and they will readily consume it if given the opportunity. However, pet food is not designed for raccoons and does not provide them with the proper balance of nutrients. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health problems.
Bird Feeders: A Feast for Everyone
Bird feeders, intended to provide food for birds, often attract raccoons as well. These resourceful creatures are adept at climbing and can easily access bird feeders, consuming the seeds and nuts intended for their feathered friends. Relying on birdseed as a primary food source can be harmful to raccoons, as it lacks essential nutrients.
Gardens: Raiding the Produce Patch
Raccoons also raid gardens, consuming vegetables and fruits grown by humans. They are particularly fond of sweet corn, tomatoes, and melons. This can be frustrating for gardeners, as raccoons can cause significant damage to their crops.
Intentional Feeding: A Recipe for Disaster
While it may be tempting to feed raccoons, it is important to remember that this is harmful to both the animals and humans. Feeding raccoons can lead to dependency, making them reliant on humans for food and less likely to forage for themselves. It can also lead to health problems, as they are not getting the proper nutrients from human food. Furthermore, feeding raccoons can increase their population, leading to more conflicts with humans and the spread of diseases. When humans leave food out, it drastically impacts what food do raccoons like and will be the first thing they eat.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Raccoons
Raccoons have unique dietary needs, and certain human foods can be harmful to their health. Avoiding these foods is crucial for the well-being of these creatures, especially those living near human settlements.
Salty Foods: Foods high in sodium can strain their kidneys and lead to dehydration. Avoid offering them salty snacks or processed foods.
Sugary Foods: Excessive sugar can cause obesity, dental problems, and diabetes in raccoons. Refrain from giving them candy, pastries, or sugary drinks.
Processed Foods: These lack nutritional value and often contain harmful additives. Avoid feeding raccoons processed foods like chips, crackers, or fast food.
Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to many animals, including raccoons. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
Onions and Garlic: These vegetables contain compounds that can cause anemia in raccoons.
Dog or Cat Food: While raccoons might consume pet food, it lacks the proper nutritional balance for them. Feeding them dog or cat food regularly can lead to health issues.
Raccoon Foraging Behavior
Raccoons are fascinating creatures with unique foraging behaviors. Their nocturnal habits, sensitive paws, and ability to remember food sources make them highly efficient scavengers.
Nocturnal Habits
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This allows them to avoid competition with other animals and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
Sensitive Paws
Raccoons have highly sensitive paws with five digits on each foot, allowing them to manipulate objects and locate food in difficult environments.
Washing Food
It is a myth that Raccoons wash food. They often wet food to enhance tactile sensation, especially when foraging in water.
Memory and Learning
Raccoons have an excellent memory and are capable of learning new ways to access food. They can remember food sources for extended periods and adapt their strategies to overcome obstacles.
Preventing Raccoons from Accessing Food
Preventing raccoons from accessing food sources is essential for both your safety and their well-being. By taking a few simple steps, you can minimize the chances of raccoons being attracted to your property.
Securing Garbage Cans: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and secure them with bungee cords or straps.
Bringing Pet Food Indoors: Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
Taking Down Bird Feeders: Remove bird feeders at night to prevent raccoons from accessing them.
Protecting Gardens: Use fencing, netting, or other barriers to protect your garden from raccoons.
Sealing Entry Points: Repair any holes or cracks in your home or outbuildings to prevent raccoons from entering.
Eliminating Other Attractants: Clean up fallen fruit, spilled birdseed, and other potential food sources.
Conclusion
Raccoons are highly adaptable omnivores with a diverse diet. In the wild, they eat a variety of invertebrates, vertebrates, fruits, berries, and other plant matter. In urban and suburban environments, they have adapted to scavenging for human food, including garbage, pet food, and birdseed. It is crucial to remember that feeding raccoons is harmful to both the animals and humans. By taking steps to prevent raccoons from accessing food sources around your home, you can help protect their health and ensure their well-being. Coexisting with raccoons responsibly is about respecting their wild nature while protecting your property and their health, and understanding what food do raccoons like and will be more inclined to eat is a great first step.
