There are a variety of opinions on what raccoons eat and whether or not they eat rats. Some say that raccoons are opportunistic eaters and will eat whatever is available including rats. Others argue that raccoons are more particular eaters and prefer other foods over rats. And still others believe that raccoons only eat rats when they are desperate or starving.
So what do we know for sure? Raccoons are native to North America and their diet consists mostly of insects reptiles amphibians birds small mammals and fruits. They are nocturnal animals and are very good at climbing which allows them to access food that other animals can’t get to.
While there are reports of raccoons eating rats it is not a common occurrence. Raccoons typically avoid rats because they can be carriers of disease. In fact one of the most common diseases that raccoons contract is leptospirosis which they can get from exposure to rat urine.
So while it is possible that raccoons may eat rats on occasion it is not likely their first choice of food. If you have rats in your home it is best to contact a professional pest control company to remove them.
Do raccoons eat rats?
Answer: It is unlikely that raccoons would eat rats as they are much larger than the size of prey that raccoons typically go for.
What do raccoons typically eat?
Answer: Raccoons are opportunistic eaters and their diet can vary greatly depending on their location and what is available to them.
In general raccoons are known to eat small mammals birds fish reptiles amphibians crayfish crabs mollusks and insects.
Where do raccoons live?
Answer: Raccoons are found in North and Central America.
In the United States they are commonly found in the eastern and midwestern states.
Are raccoons nocturnal?
Answer: Yes raccoons are nocturnal animals.
What is the lifespan of a raccoon?
Answer: The average lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is 2-3 years.
What is the size of a raccoon?
Answer: Raccoons typically weigh 4-12 kg (9-26 lbs) and have a body length of 38-70 cm (15-28 inches).
What is the fur of a raccoon like?
Answer: Raccoons have a dense fur that consists of a thick inner layer of down hair and a coarse outer layer of guard hairs.
The guard hairs are waterproof which helps keep the raccoon’s underfur dry and warm.
What color is a raccoon’s fur?
Answer: Raccoons have a greyish-brown fur with a black “mask” around their eyes.
Do raccoons have tails?
Answer: Yes raccoons have tails that are approximately 20-40 cm (8-16 inches) long.
What are the footprints of a raccoon like?
Answer: Raccoons have five toes on each foot and their footprints look similar to those of a human hand.
What is the most common type of raccoon?
Answer: The most common type of raccoon is the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor).
What is the scientific name for a raccoon?
Answer: The scientific name for a raccoon is Procyon lotor.
What is the weight of a newborn raccoon?
Answer: A newborn raccoon typically weighs around 100 g (3.
5 oz).
How long do raccoons stay with their mothers?
Answer: Raccoons stay with their mothers for around 12-18 months.
What is the gestation period of a raccoon?
Answer: The gestation period of a raccoon is approximately 63 days.
