Who Wins in a Fight Between a Fox and a Raccoon?

Many nocturnal creatures lurk around neighborhoods, such as the fox and raccoon. These two mammals often stay close to human-populated areas because food is more readily available. What happens if these two animals meet and neither wants the other encroaching on its territory? We’re going to look at a fox vs raccoon fight and show you which of these creatures is most likely to survive such an encounter! Read on to discover how a confrontation between these two fierce animals would likely end in the wild.

Comparing a Fox and a Raccoon

What Are the Key Differences Between a Fox and a Raccoon?

The main differences between a fox and a raccoon lie in their size, speed, and predatory behaviors. Foxes are larger than raccoons, weighing more and growing taller than them. Foxes are also much faster than raccoons. For example, the gray fox can run upwards of 40 mph, but raccoons can only scurry at about 15 mph. Also, foxes are ambush predators, but raccoons are opportunistic predators that are less deliberate in finding their prey. These key differences between raccoons and foxes are important for distinguishing the creatures, and they also grant insight into how a fight between them would pan out.

What Are the Key Factors in a Fight Between a Fox and a Raccoon?

Determining the winner of a battle between a fox and a raccoon requires examining several factors, such as size, speed, and combat skills. Each of these elements impacts the battle, as one animal will have certain advantages over the other. Having enough of those advantages ultimately determines which animal has the right combination of skills and physical traits to dominate the other.

Fox vs Raccoon: Size

Foxes are generally larger than raccoons, with some foxes weighing up to 31 lbs and reaching 20 inches in height and 33 inches in length (not counting their tails). However, there is some overlap, as large raccoons can weigh up to 20 lbs and reach 12 inches in height and 28 inches in length, with some individuals occasionally exceeding these averages. In this fight, foxes will use that extra weight to their advantage, making sure they pin their foe and prevent them from escaping.

Foxes have the advantage in terms of their size.

Fox vs Raccoon: Speed and Movement

Foxes are faster than raccoons. A fox can run at a speed of 30 mph on average, but some foxes are even faster. For example, the gray fox can reach a maximum speed of 40 mph. That is far faster than raccoons, since they can only reach a speed of 15 mph. Foxes would control when the fight starts and whether they or the raccoon have the opportunity to escape.

Foxes have the advantage in terms of speed.

Fox vs Raccoon: Senses

Foxes and raccoons have very similar levels of smell, hearing, and vision. Both animals are partially colorblind, but raccoons are completely colorblind. Also, the fox can distinguish some colors in the same way that dogs can.

The two animals’ senses are so similar that we’re going to call this section a tie.

Fox vs Raccoon: Physical Defenses

Foxes can escape enemies with their high speed, climb trees to avoid danger, and use their intelligence to decide whether to flee or fight. Raccoons are similar in that they can climb trees to escape foes. However, they are not as speedy as the fox.

Foxes have better physical defenses than raccoons, and they have the advantage in this situation.  

Fox vs Raccoon: Combat Skills

Foxes are ambush predators that stalk their prey and attack when the time is right. They often sprint at their prey, crashing into them and aiming to bite vital areas, such as the neck. Their teeth are their greatest weapon, and they use them to great effect. Raccoons may look fuzzy and sweet, but they’re completely different animals when it comes to a fight. They are opportunistic predators that maul their prey by clawing at their eyes and sensitive areas while inflicting deep, terrible bites on their foes.

Both animals are very capable fighters, so we’re going to call this part a tie as well.

Who Would Win in a Fight Between a Fox and a Raccoon?

A fox would win a fight against a raccoon. Foxes are larger, faster, and stronger than the vast majority of raccoons that they would encounter. Furthermore, foxes are ambush predators that have large enough teeth to bite into their foes, crack bones, and do fatal damage. Raccoons can rival foxes in size and viciousness in some cases, but they are not adept carnivore predators that are used to taking down animals their size.

The most likely outcome would involve the fox stalking and circling the raccoon, then pouncing at the opportune moment. The battle would be bitter, but the fox would overpower the raccoon and deal fatal damage. However, unless the fox managed to kill the raccoon immediately, it would likely sustain injuries during the fight.