Raccoons are some of the most mischievous, clever, and oddly charming creatures you’ll ever encounter in the wild—or your backyard.
With their little bandit masks, nimble fingers, and fearless curiosity, they’re the ultimate nighttime explorers. But there’s way more to these masked mammals than rummaging through trash.
Whether you’re a nature lover, curious kid, or just someone who had a raccoon knock over your bird feeder last night, these amazing facts will give you a whole new appreciation for these clever critters.
Let’s dive into 10 incredible things you probably didn’t know about raccoons!
1. Raccoons Have Hands—Like, Really Good Ones
Raccoons have five fingers on each front paw, and they use them almost like we use our hands.
They can open jars, unlatch cages, unzip tents, and even turn door knobs. Their sense of touch is extremely advanced. In fact, over two-thirds of the sensory data in their brains is dedicated to touch, mostly from their front paws.
That’s why raccoons often “feel” their food in water before they eat it—they’re gathering information.
2. They “Wash” Their Food—But It’s Not for Cleanliness
One of the most famous raccoon behaviors is dipping their food in water.
People used to think raccoons were just tidy eaters. But science suggests something different: wetting their paws actually heightens their sense of touch, helping them better understand what they’re eating. It’s not about getting the food clean—it’s about getting more information.
3. They Can Remember Solutions for Years
Raccoons are smart. Like, solve-a-complex-lock-puzzle smart.
In one famous 1908 study by psychologist H.B. Davis, raccoons were taught to open 13 different types of locks. They mastered them all—and remembered how to unlock them three years later with no practice. Newer studies confirm it: raccoons have cognitive abilities close to monkeys.
4. They’re Omnivores With No Food Shame
Raccoons will eat just about anything.
In the wild, they munch on fruits, nuts, insects, frogs, and bird eggs. In towns and cities, they’re not picky—trash cans, pet food, compost, even leftover pizza is fair game. They’ve adapted perfectly to human environments, which is why you’ll often find them prowling neighborhoods at night.
5. They’re Mostly Nocturnal—but That’s Flexible
While raccoons usually come out at night, they’re not strictly nocturnal.
It’s more of a preference than a rule. Raccoons will happily forage during the day if food is available or if they’re raising young. So seeing a raccoon in daylight isn’t always a sign of rabies, as many people think—it might just be hungry or busy being a parent.
6. Raccoons Can Swim—and They’re Pretty Good at It
Yep, raccoons are swimmers!
They can paddle through water at around 3 miles per hour and hold their breath for nearly 40 seconds. Swimming helps them find food and escape predators. They don’t swim for fun, but if they need to cross a creek or catch a frog, they’re all in.
7. Their “Mask” Isn’t Just for Looks
That black fur around their eyes isn’t random—it serves a purpose.
The dark markings reduce glare and help raccoons see better at night, similar to how athletes wear black stripes under their eyes. It also helps them appear more intimidating to predators or competitors. Functional and fashionable.
8. They’re Found All Over the Americas—and Beyond
Originally, raccoons were native only to North and Central America.
But now, they’ve spread far beyond. You’ll find them in Europe, Japan, and parts of the Middle East, thanks to accidental (and sometimes intentional) introductions. In Germany, a few raccoons escaped from fur farms in the 1930s—and now they’ve become a major invasive species.
9. Baby Raccoons Are Called Kits—and They’re Born Blind
Raccoon babies, or “kits,” are born in spring.
They arrive blind, deaf, and helpless, usually in litters of 3 to 5. Their eyes open at about 3 weeks old, and by 2 months they’re exploring the world with their mom.
Most raccoon moms are very protective and teach their kits everything they need to know before sending them off in the fall.
10. They’re Protected in Some Areas—But a Nuisance in Others
Depending on where you live, raccoons might be beloved wildlife—or unwanted pests.
In urban environments, they’re often seen as a nuisance because they damage roofs, tear through trash, and sometimes carry diseases like rabies or leptospirosis. But in other areas, they’re protected by conservation laws, especially where their numbers are low or where they’re part of a delicate ecosystem.
If you live in raccoon country, the best thing you can do is secure your trash, never feed them, and admire them—from a distance.
Final Thoughts: Raccoons Are Wild, Wily, and Wonderful
Raccoons have managed to thrive in forests, farms, and cities alike. They’re clever problem solvers, bold adventurers, and adaptable survivors. Love them or loathe them, there’s no denying raccoons are some of the most fascinating animals in North America.
So next time you spot one tiptoeing across a fence under the moonlight, know you’re looking at a little genius in fur.
Want more wildlife facts? Bookmark this post or share it with a curious friend—you never know when you’ll need to impress someone with your raccoon trivia.