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

Raccoon

Ring-tailed Raccoon, Racoon Family: Procyonidae

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Raccoon "Rufus" Procyon lotor Photo © 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

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
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
My friend had a pet raccoon which she kept in an outdoor cage. This raccoon lived to be 22 years of age. Many times younger orphaned raccoons were put into the cage with her and she never bothered any of them. She was wormed on a yearly basis with strongid T and was healthy throughout her life. wildlife rehabilitator 2009-09-09
I have an 11 year old raccoon named suzy. She seems to be losing a lot of weight, should I take her to the vet, or draw blood and have them check it. I am really concerned zachsmom 2009-08-31
Joyce to your response, you cannot be "immune" to rabies. You get a shot that lasts ONLY 7 years. Kids don't just get rabies as a typical shot so your son was NOT immune to it... get a REAL P.H.D, not one printed off off the internet... get your facts straight before comming up with some story you thought was cute and would help people. SHANELLE 2009-08-26
Yeah, I used to hate raccons, always costing me tons of money because they break in my house and eat my food. But I recently saved a 3 month old baby one from starvation, and I have to say they make great pets. giggle 2009-08-11
Some of the coolest comments:
We raised a pet racoon over 6 years ago. She was raised in the house until she was five months old, then transfered to a large cage complete with climbing limbs etc. then we began to let her out daily for longer and longer periods of time. She was always very tame even as she made her a home in the woods. Today, we can still go outside and call her and she'll come home within 15-20 minutes. She lives closeby and has raised several litters of beautiful babies. When she is pregnant or has a new litter, she comes around more often for food. Her favorite treat was always Hot Dogs, so we try to keep a package on hand for her visits. We no longer try to pick her up, although I believe she would allow it, but she loves scratches behind the ears and eating from our hands. She has never attempted to bite. She and my 14 year old cat coexist without conflicts. Friends and family come hoping she'll make an appearance--she shows out for a laugh and cautiously accepts strangers. A raccoon is an extremely smart and resourceful animal with a friendly disposition but please do not forget that a wild or scared raccoon can be very dangerous. Just ask someone that hunts them. They can rip a dog to pieces in a fight and as I understand, are one of the largest carriers of Rabies in the wild. It terrifies me to think of a child being rough with a Coon that is not used to children. Would I raise another? Yes! Abby never forgot us and knows where to come when food is scarce for her. But everyone please be careful when taking one that you rescue. Better safe than sorry. Rabies shots are very painful--I received my series of shots over 30 years ago after picking up a stray cat and would hate to undergo another set. Back then, it was one shot a day for 14 days in the stomache--don't know what is done now. I love all animals and don't wish to offend anyone but when we think with our hearts, sometimes, we forget to use basic common sense. Tammy 2009-09-05
I have a real sweetheart. Coonie has been with us since a bottle fed baby two and a half years ago. I feel so blessed to have found a vet that gives him rabies/distemper shots, (& most importantly I think) nuetered him before he was six months old. He lives in a ferret nation cage (2 stories high), and comes out for regular playtimes. He is a real people person coon, so to speak. His cage is in the foyer, and he loves lady to open the cage and let friends pet him and shake paws. I can only humanize it that he figures if you're cool with mom and dad, you're cool with him. He has won the hearts of many. When he is let out for playtime he doesn't usually come over to snuggle. He has a different personality for playing with each of the different animals. One he is very chatty with, and they often have to be told to quiet down and calm down. Another dog he climbs on top of, they tossle about, and usually end up grooming each other for hours on end. Now that cat he just wishes he could get close to. His favorite "toys" would be ice cubes, the dogs water bowl and anything he can dunk in and out of the water. Like a 2 year old, you put it in, then you take it out, in and out, in and out. And now as his owner and mom, I'm a little beside myself. I found out today that he has cancer. The vet says that we can put him on prednisone to try and slow it down, but I am concerned about side affects,and possibly a change in his attitude. Right now it only seems to be in his glands on his neck. it started in one gland and within a month it was in the next. The good news is it hasn't gone to any other glands, AND his temperment has not changed, it doesn't seem to be causing any pain. I have noticed he has more frequent coughing fits though. I know this has been wordy, but thank you for letting me share. I have always felt that Coonie has a mission in life - to change peoples fears and melt their hearts. I hope he can continue to do so. "lady" 2008-11-11
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
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
thanks alot, your website helped me alot!!!one day i was at my grandmas house and she dropped me of at my house. i ran up to my room and i heard a chirping noise. i looked down and my (other)grandpa was holding a ferret looking animal. "did we get a ferret?", i asked. "no we got a racoon!" "wow! how old is he?". "five weeks". cool! "his name is mafia". aidan blonk age 11 2004-08-09

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Author: David Brough. CFS.