Compared to other animals, raccoons usually live between two and five years. While they can live up to 20 years in captivity, they often face numerous threats, including traffic accidents, diseases, and larger predators. Nevertheless, the lifespan of a raccoon in captivity is longer than most other animals’, and the amount of damage they can cause can be devastating to the health of humans and pets.
Although raccoons are omnivorous and eat a wide range of food sources, they prefer garbage and other waste materials. Raccoons also enjoy washing their food before eating it. Their name comes from the latin word lotor, which means “lotus.” Their dexterous paws make them highly intelligent and capable of opening doors and tearing up garbage. Unlike their human counterparts, raccoons have very good hearing, and their voice is similar to human babies. Despite being omnivorous, raccoons have strong maternal instincts and love food.
In 1740, Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus classified raccoons as bears. They were given the names Ursus cauda elongata (long-tailed bear) and Ursus lotor, meaning “washer bear”. German naturalist Gottlieb Conrad Christian Storr corrected Linnaeus’ mistake by naming raccoons Procyon lotor, which means “early washer dog.” However, the genus name was changed in 1908 and now the earliest reference to raccoons comes from the 1780s.
The lifespan of a raccoon depends on several factors. Despite the many predators that eat raccoons, humans are the largest single threat. Large mammals in urban and suburban areas often consume raccoons, and young ones are susceptible to attack by owls, hawks, and bobcats. Raccoons often share dens with other animals for warmth.
Raising a raccoon is a great way to get a cute pet with plenty of personality. But despite their inquisitive nature, raccoons are tough to raise. They are not for everyone, and will require lots of time, patience, and expertise. If you are thinking of adopting a raccoon, make sure to read about how to care for them.
Raccoons can grow to be 18 to 28 inches in length, and weigh between five and fifteen pounds. Male raccoons grow to be bigger than females, but they remain under three feet tall and weigh only 25 to 30 pounds. Captive raccoons can grow to be considerably larger than their wild counterparts, especially if they are raised in captivity. Despite this, the world’s heaviest raccoon, named Bandit, was most likely bred in a rehab and raised to be overweight.
Although raccoons are usually solitary animals, they sometimes live with other species, including humans. They can run up to 15 miles per hour, swim a great distance, and rotate their back feet to move from tree to tree. They can also survive in storm sewers and small spaces under buildings. Despite their ability to survive in the city, raccoons only live for six years in the wild.
Do raccoons love their owners?
Raccoons will bond with their humans, especially when raised in captivity from a young age. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. However, they also are generally quick to bite—even their favorite people—when something annoys or scares them.D
Why do raccoons only live 2 to 3 years?
As is true for any wildlife, a raccoon living in the wild has to fight every day to find a suitable meal, escape predators and avoid other dangers. These are all life-threatening endeavors. The combination of these factors limits the average raccoon lifespan in the wild to 2–3 years.
How long do raccoons live in a house?
2 – 3 yearsIn the wild
Why do racoons have short lives?
The average lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is about five years, but with abundant food and shelter they’re able to survive well past a decade. However, it has been estimated that 50 percent of raccoons die within their first year due to disease, starvation, predators, or human intervention.S
What’s the longest living raccoon?
Merlin is 13 years, 10 months old, making him the oldest raccoon in any site licensed by the American Zoological Association, which includes hundreds of zoos, aquariums and wildlife centers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.F
What are 3 interesting facts about raccoon?
– Raccoons Can Make Over 50 Different Noises. – Raccoons Have Special Paws. – Raccoons Can Move At High Speeds. – Raccoons Are Nocturnal. – Raccoons Are Extremely Skillful. – Raccoons Can Survive Almost Anywhere. – Raccoons Do Not Have Life-Partners. – Raccoons Have A Special Name.
Do racoons make good pets?
They can problem solve and have good memories. However, raccoons are wild animals, so taking one from the wild won’t have good results and is likely illegal. If you find a raccoon that has been domesticated or rehabilitated, they can be a loving and playful pet. It’s only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons.
How long do raccoons live as pets?
In captivity, raccoons are known to have a life expectancy between 10-15 years old. They do require some veterinary care, and it can be difficult to find a doctor willing to see a raccoon since they aren’t common pets. You will typically have to look for an exotic or wild animal vet.M
What are 5 interesting facts about raccoons?
– Raccoons Can Make Over 50 Different Noises. – Raccoons Have Special Paws. – Raccoons Can Move At High Speeds. – Raccoons Are Nocturnal. – Raccoons Are Extremely Skillful. – Raccoons Can Survive Almost Anywhere. – Raccoons Do Not Have Life-Partners. – Raccoons Have A Special Name.
What’s the oldest living raccoon?
CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point is home to Merlin, a 14-year-old raccoon who is the oldest living raccoon in captivity on record.A
Can you house train a raccoon?
Raccoons are nearly impossible to house train. It could take months to train a raccoon to use a litter box.M
