Animal-World > Small Animal Pets > Pet Raccoons > Pet Racoon

RaccoonRing-tailed Raccoon, Racoon

Family: Procyonidae

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Raccoon "Rufus"Procyon lotorPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

     Here is a raccoon up past his bedtime! This younster couldn't keep still, climbed all over everybody and was constantly "checking things out"!

     Racoons are a pet that requires a lot of attention (to keep them out of trouble?), but if given the right environment are lots of fun to keep. They are extremely smart, active, and curious animals. Please read some of the reader comments to get an idea of what problems can be encountered before considering taking on a raccoon as a pet!

     Since wild raccoons have adapted to suburban and urban environments, they are considered a pest by many people. Most states have regulations concerning ownership of racoons so check to make sure you meet all the requirements before you seek one out.

For information about Small Animals and their care visit:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Small Animal

Scientific name: Procyon lotor
Common North American Raccoon

Background:
     Raccoons range throughout the United States, actually they range from southern Canada to the Panama. They are fond of areas near water in piney forests and broadleaf woodlands.

Description:      The raccoon is a medium sized mammal about the size of a small to medium sized dog. They will grow to about 30 inches long including a bushy 10 inch long tail, and will reach 25-45 lbs. as adults. They have a long pointy snout, large eyes and ears, five digits on each foot and a ringed tail.
     The name 'Ring-tailed Raccoon' describes them by one of their very distinctive markings, a ringed tail. They are also recognized by their familiar black  ‘mask ’, giving this wily animal an almost comical look. Their course fur is a mixture of gray, brown, and black.

Environment:      In the wild, the the raccoon will have a den built in a hollow tree. Usually an outdoor area at least 4'x4' with a source of running water is needed. If kept in the house they are readily box trained and are similar to keeping a cat or dog except you will probably have to put childproof latches on your cupboards and drawers!

Care and feeding:      Provide lots of water (if not running water) every day as they have a curious habit of washing their food before they eat it. Raccoons are omnivorous. In nature they eat various small animals, fish, frogs. molluscs, and fruits.
     In captivity, most people feed them a ferret diet, cat food, and table scraps (they will eat just about anything). See about foods for ferrets here. Besides offering them their natural diet they will also eat vegetables, crayfish, crabs, insects, and they love eggs.

Social Behaviors:      In their natural habitat they do not exhibit aggressive behavior, but males will defend territories. They are generally solitary animals except during breeding season. We have found no information on keeping several raccoons together so we assume that unless you are keeping a family, it is probably best to keep individuals separate in captivity.

Dr. Jungle says...."these guys are packed full of energy!"
Photo @ Animal-World Courtesy David Brough	"Rufus" and "Dufus"      These two young racoons, Rufus and Dufus, are both males and are 5 months old in these photos. They are about 15 lbs. now but will reach 25-45 lbs. as adults.      As babies they were bottle fed with a puppy feeding formula - Esbilac, and powdered goats' milk. Weaning began at 8 weeks and took 2 weeks to complete. Science diet cat food blended to a pudding-like consistency was also used.

Handling and Training:
     The cunning Raccoon is easily tamed, and makes a pleasant 'monkey-like' pet. It should be noted however, that though young raccoons make entertaining pets, many become surly, rough and even vicious as they approach sexual maturity.

Activities - Exercise and Play:
     Raccoons are nocturnal, but are sometimes active during the day. They are a mammal that is known for their inquisitiveness. Besides being very curious and active, they are expert climbers. They will thoroughly enjoy some excercise time where they can explore in areas that are both high and low.

     Make sure that your raccoon's designated play areas are properly "raccoon-proofed", not only to prevent damage to the area but to reduce the chances of him injuring himself during play.

Breeding/Reproduction:      Raccoons' breeding season is from late winter through early spring. Females give birth from April to June and have an average litter of three or four babies. The pups remain in their birth den until they are about seven weeks old, at which point the mother moves them to a series of alternate dens.
     In some parts of the country, young raccoons spend their first winter with their mothers, but it is just as common for them to leave the mother in the late fall of their first year.

Ailments/Treatments:
     As with all animals, raccoons can become ill or hurt. You can do your best to avoid this by taking good care of your pet. Make sure he gets proper nutrition, grooming, and exercise. This will keep your raccoon in the best of conditions and reduce the chances of him getting sick.
I     f your raccoon endures serious injuries such as back injuries, severe bleeding, broken bones, or poisoning, it should be taken to a veterinarian.

Availability:      Most states have regulations concerning ownership of raccoons so check to make sure you meet all the requirements before you seek one out, your pet store can help you with this.
     Be sure to check your state and local restrictions before acquiring a raccoon.

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Latest Comments
SunChaser, with all due respect, I knew someone would fail to see my point. Whether it's fear or whatever that causes any mammal to exhibit aggression, we as the "superior" species (which could be questioned) should first and foremost NOT invite it by "cornering" or even trying to "tame" a wild species. If you live within a 30 minute drive of your neighbor, you don't live in the country, you are simply rural. Too many people don't recognize the signs of fear driven aggression or just plain meanness, which also exists in animals. We have run into so many folks that dump thier pets. Racoons, skunks, and possom as well as dogs and cats, and here lately with the depression of the horse market, horses of all ages and condition. They think that they will either be taken in by a friendly farmer/rancher or will go back to the wild even though they have been raised since a baby by people that wanted an exotic pet. Please, just leave them alone and take responsiblility for your actions when you own any kind of animal. You probably wouldn't believe how many horses and other "pets" we end up having to put down every year because people just don't understand how much it takes to have a pet, any pet, exotic or not. They reach sexual maturity and become agressive, they get tired of the kids pulling their tail, whatever. They get dumped and end up starving or torn up by really wild animals, stomped by a cow, etc. And they DO NOT just naturally know how to take care of themselves when you turn them out. Dogs and cats rarely make it through the first night. They are a meal for the first coyote that hears them crying. Most of the exotics fall prey to the coyotes too. I'm sorry, but most of you just don't know what it is like to truly live out so far that most people don't even know we are here. wildliferehabiter 2010-02-01
I had 2 pet racoons as a child in my country. Awesome, loving, and intelligent animals! I bottle fed the 2nd. He was a dream! how do I get a baby racoon here? JOANA :) 2009-11-26
I had 2 pet racoons in my country and want one now... how do I get a baby racoon ? JOANA :) 2009-11-26
I've just recently gotten a baby raccoon that I have hand raised from a bottle. I want to have him neutered and was curious about the procedure, is it done like a cat or dog neuter. He is the sweetest like guy. pet poor mom 2009-11-05
I had 2 families come up to the house. First group came around dusk, mom and 3 little one, and the other family, mom,dad and four little ones. I kept dog food out for them every night and to watch them interact with each other was great. They would push each other out of the food tray and would run around the deck. It got to be a nightly thrill just to see them come across the yard and upon the deck. If the food wasn't out yet they would come to the door and look in (we had a glass back door). They would almost beg for food. If I didn't come right out they would lay at the door just like a dog would do. We have a wooded area behind our house that a creek runs through. This past summer we had a heavy rain and the area was flooded and since then they have disappeared. I have kept food out but only a couple of old ones come up and they fight for the food so I've stopped. I'll wait for spring and start again to see if I get another family. My grandkid's got such a thrill out of them, I'm hoping for more next spring. They're almost better than a dog since you do have to worry about them, they take care of themselves. No vet bills and you don't have to get them tags. I sure miss them Bud Sakmary 2009-10-21
Some of the coolest comments:
Wild raccoons are dangerous and should NEVER be fed by people. One time they will be docile, the next something will upset them and they can do extreme harm, especially to children. They are known to carry rabies and a big boar can kill a 60lb dog in a very short fight. I have a ranch in south central Texas, and while I do not go around killing just because I can, everyone must be very careful of wild raccoons. This very morning a mature sow got very upset with me because I happened to walk between her and her nest in one of my big oak trees. I had no idea she had set up housekeeping. Had not my dog been able to fend her off I would have been forced to shoot her. If you do not live in the area where they are and have never educated yourself, you need to. They can be extremely aggressive and dangerous when they decide to and you will never know when that is. They are NOT cute and cuddly pets. They are wild and should be respected as such. I learned all this by personal experience. I absolutely love animals, but first I respect them for just that...a wild animal that cannot read my mind to know I don't want to harm it. I've seen it too many times, folks move out to the country, make "friends" with the wildlife and then can't understand it when the animals turn on them for "no reason". Animals don't need a reason, that is their nature. Respect it and leave them alone. wildliferehabiter 2010-01-18
The debate on whether to have a pet raccoon has been surpassed by the need of your voice for all urban wildlife. State Wildlife agencies are responsible for the welfare of ALL wildlife, not just the animals selling hunting tags. Wildlife is owned by the citizens and is to be managed by the state agency under the terms of a Public Trust Doctrine. Yet, over-stated risks and lack of proper education and reporting is leading our society to malign intelligent, beneficial urban animals such as skunks, raccoons, foxes...There is NO perspective anymore! Always use caution with wild animals, but do not act in fear. Research the animals that live in your backyards and learn the truths. And please, speak up for these animals and defend their rights to not be banned from rescue and rehab. States like NC order all these animals be killed, denying qualified rehabilitators (citizens who own the wildlife equally) the right to rescue & rehab them. Such state killing programs are becoming the "norm" because the public does not speak up against this. Rabies testing is a billion dollar business - millions of healthy animals are killed and their heads sent to labs for testing. Oral rabies vaccine baits can eradicate this disease - but people have to care enough to demand it be done by their local and state gov't. Raccoons intelligence has been proven second only to higher monkeys. Raccoons kill venomous snakes, and as with skunks are the best mousers you can find! SunChaserWildlife 2010-01-17
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
"Known to carry rabies"? Yes, any mammal that is not vaccinated can contract rabies. yes, wild animals should be respected as such. But speaking of "overstated risks" and "dangerous" animals, let's shed perspective! In the US there are barely 1-3 deaths a year from rabies. Red ant bites kill 50 people a year. Horses are extremely "dangerous" animals. I have both, and I teach both (riding and wildlife appreciation). Balyscaris roundworm, called 'raccoon roundworm' because raccoons have evolved immunity to it, can also be a risk. There are less than 30 cases EVER recorded in humans. Over 100 species can carry it, and the common puppy roundworm blinds several hundred children a year. The moral? Do not eat poop. The other night, as happens fairly often in the country here, I surpised and momentarily "cornered" raccoons and opossums in our hay barn. Of course I back away, they leave. Any animal (AND human) will fight to protect their offspring, this does not make them "dangerous" in the context used. Perspective, respect, and COMMON SENSE are what the "superior" species needs to maintain. NOT FEAR. Wild animals are every bit the sentient beings our cats and dogs are. They have sustained mankind for 1,000's of years. Isn't it time to start returning the favor with a little more patience and respect, especially for all the habitat we have taken away from them. I have never met an aggressive animal - only a scared one. SunChaser 2010-01-21
I found this Dr. Jungle site and see all the posts of raccoon lovers. I found a baby racoon at the park where I go for bike riding. When I saw her she counld't walk ,so I brought her home and looked at the webpages about raccoons. I tryed the bottle feeding and then a spoon fed diet. She was so lovable and I am very sad. I worried to much and brought her back to the park, I went back to the place I put her the following day and she was dead. I am heartbroken for my poor efforts in care now that I remember her and think what this meant for her. Thanks to all the post from the raccoon lovers and the encouragement, I know from here on. Paula 2007-04-28
Raccons r cool. u guys rock with all the animals that I love. Britt 2005-02-20

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