What Do Raccoons Eat? - All South Pest Control

Raccoons are intelligent and highly adaptable animals, which is why they can be found in various environments, from dense forests to urban neighborhoods. One of the main reasons they thrive in so many different settings is their varied diet. But what do raccoons eat, exactly?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into what raccoons dine on, whether or not they are considered rodents, and even explore the diets of some common rodents like mice and rats.

Are Raccoons Rodents?

Many people wonder if raccoons are rodents, but the truth is, they are not. Raccoons belong to a group of animals called Procyonidae, which includes creatures like coatis and kinkajous.

On the other hand, rodents—like mice, rats, and squirrels—belong to the Rodentia family. One of the key differences between raccoons and rodents is their teeth. Rodents have continuously growing front teeth, which they must constantly gnaw to keep in check, while raccoons have sharp teeth designed to consume a variety of foods but do not share this tooth growth trait.

Although raccoons and rodents may be similar in size and are often found near human habitats, their diets and behaviors are quite different. So, if raccoons aren’t rodents, what do raccoons eat? Let’s explore their diet next.

What Do Rodents Eat?

Before diving into the specifics of raccoon diets, it’s helpful to understand what some common rodents eat. Mice and rats are the most prevalent rodents that infest homes and neighborhoods. Their diets, while somewhat similar, are more limited compared to raccoons.

• Mice: Mice primarily feed on seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. In the wild, they may nibble on small insects, but in urban environments, they will scavenge for crumbs, leftover food, or pet food left outside.
• Rats: Rats are more opportunistic eaters. Their diet can include grains, fruits, and vegetables, but they are also known to eat meat, garbage, and just about anything they can find. Rats tend to be larger and have bigger appetites compared to mice, which makes them more resilient and adaptable to different environments.

While rodents have more specific diets, raccoons are omnivores with a much more varied range of foods they consume. But what do raccoons eat in the wild versus in urban settings? Let’s explore the details.

What Do Raccoons Eat in the Wild?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their natural diet in the wild is incredibly diverse and changes with the seasons and availability of food.

When exploring what raccoons eat in the wild, the answer can vary widely depending on their habitat. Some of their preferred foods include:

• Insects: Raccoons love eating bugs like beetles, crickets, and caterpillars. These provide a protein-rich diet.
• Small Mammals: Raccoons will also eat small animals, such as frogs, mice, and occasionally birds or fish if they have access to them.
• Fruits: In the wild, raccoons frequently consume berries, apples, and other fruits, especially during the summer and fall when these foods are more abundant.
• Nuts and Seeds: Acorns, nuts, and seeds form a significant part of a raccoon’s diet, particularly in the fall as they prepare for winter.
• Amphibians and Fish: Near water sources, raccoons will hunt for fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals.

Because raccoons are such resourceful creatures, they’re able to find food in almost any setting. But what do raccoons eat when they live near human homes?

What About in Urban Areas?

Raccoons living in urban environments adapt their diets to take advantage of the easy-to-access food sources humans provide. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What do raccoons eat in my neighborhood?” you might be surprised by how inventive they can be. Here’s a look at some common food sources for raccoons in cities and suburbs:

• Garbage: One of the most well-known habits of urban raccoons is raiding trash cans. Raccoons will rip open garbage bags and dig through bins in search of leftover food.
• Pet Food: If you leave pet food outside, raccoons won’t hesitate to help themselves to it.
• Compost Piles: A compost heap can be a treasure trove for a raccoon, offering them access to fruit peels, vegetable scraps, and other organic waste.
• Bird Feeders: Raccoons will often climb up bird feeders to snack on the seeds meant for birds, especially during the colder months when other food is scarce.

Adapting to human environments, raccoons can find food easily.

Seasonal Changes in Raccoon Diets

Raccoons’ diets vary with the seasons based on what’s available:

• Spring and Summer: During the warmer months, raccoons focus on a protein-rich diet that includes insects, small mammals, and fish. The abundance of food allows them to thrive during this time.
• Fall: As the cooler months approach, raccoons shift their focus to fruits, nuts, and seeds. This helps them build up fat stores to survive the winter.
• Winter: In colder regions, food sources become scarce during the winter, and raccoons often rely on their body fat or scavenge for scraps, which is why they might be seen raiding garbage cans or bird feeders more frequently.

How to Prevent Raccoon Infestation

If you’re wondering what steps you can take to avoid attracting raccoons, here are some useful tips:

• Secure Your Trash Cans: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids or straps to keep raccoons from accessing your garbage.
• Bring Pet Food Indoors: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, as it’s an easy meal for raccoons.
• Install Raccoon-Proof Bird Feeders: Use bird feeders that are designed to be difficult for raccoons to access.
• Block Access to Shelter: Make sure raccoons can’t get into your attic, chimney, or crawl spaces by sealing any potential entry points.

If you’re already dealing with raccoons, contacting a professional pest control service is your best option. They can remove raccoons safely and humanely, and help prevent future infestations.

Why Raccoons Can Be a Nuisance

Raccoons can become a nuisance when they seek out food near homes:

• Property Damage: Raccoons are strong and can cause damage to roofs, attics, and chimneys while searching for food or shelter. They’ll also knock over trash cans, tear open garbage bags, and leave a mess.
• Health Risks: Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, making them a potential health hazard if they come into contact with humans or pets.

Conclusion

Raccoons are omnivores with a diverse diet, from insects and small mammals to fruits and nuts. In urban areas, they adapt to eat human leftovers, pet food, and even birdseed. While raccoons are not rodents, they can still be a significant nuisance, much like mice and rats.

If you’re struggling with raccoons or rodents, reach out to a pest control professional for assistance. Need help with raccoon or rodent control? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your home!