Where Do Raccoons Nest?

Raccoons are small, nocturnal mammals with bushy tails and distinct markings around their face that resemble a black mask. They live in various habitats, including forests, prairies, marshes, and even cities. 

Although raccoons sometimes venture out during day hours to hunt for food, they are mainly active during the night.

Where Do Raccoons Live?

Raccoons are found in many different environments. In fact, they are considered the most common mammal found in North America. The number of raccoons in North America is thought to be around 5 to 10 million. But it may even number upwards of 20 million.

Raccoons make their homes all over the United States, except for the Rocky Mountains and several southwestern states. Raccoons are also common in the northernmost portions of Canada, Mexico, and South America.

Where Do Raccoons Nest?

Raccoons are known to make their nests in a variety of places. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be where people live, such as in attics, basements, and crawl spaces under houses.

In the wild, raccoons prefer to live in woodland areas near streams. However, raccoons will seek shelter in any dark, dry, warm place which gives them protection from predators. They make their nests in hollowed logs, abandoned burrows, brush piles, tree cavities, and rocky caverns. Predators that threaten raccoons include bobcats, foxes, great horned owls, and coyotes. 

Now that the raccoon’s natural habitat is shrinking, raccoons have adapted to suburban life. Raccoons in populated areas will nest just about anywhere, including drainpipes, storm sewers, basements, barns, sheds, hay stacks, and crawl spaces.

Why Do Raccoons Live Near People?

Raccoons are opportunistic and can live almost anywhere with protection, food, and water. They are omnivores and have a meat and plant-based diet. Raccoons forage at night for food by stealing food from garbage cans in parks and neighborhoods. Raccoons are adept at opening trash can lids due to their handlike paws that easily grasp objects.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Georgi Baird/Shutterstock.com