Quick answers
| Question | Answer | Scope | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do they hibernate? | No. They hole up in dens in cold weather, but their heart rate and body temperature do not drop, so it is not true hibernation. | Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension | |
| What they eat | Crawfish, clams, frogs and worms from in or near water, plus fruit, seeds, berries, insects and garbage. | Raccoons, Oregon State page | Oregon State University Extension | |
| How long pregnancy lasts | About 63 days. | Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension | |
| Babies | Born in April or May, usually three or four to a litter. | Raccoons, Oregon State page | Oregon State University Extension | |
| How much they weigh | 12 to 48 pounds as adults. | Raccoons, Oregon State page | Oregon State University Extension | |
| How fast they run | Up to 15 mph. | Raccoons, Oregon State page | Oregon State University Extension | |
| Where they live | Almost everywhere in the United States, apart from the highest Rocky Mountain elevations and some dry desert areas. | United States, Oregon State page | Oregon State University Extension | |
| What eats raccoons | Coyotes are the example the Wisconsin guide gives. | Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide | University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension |
In the sources’ own words
Do they hibernate?
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Raccoon Ecology and Damage Management (G3997-005, PDF)“Since no reduction in heart rate or body temperature accompanies winter dormancy, raccoons do not actually hibernate.”
Scope: Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide
What they eat
Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: Raccoon (EC 1566)“Some of their favorite foods are found in or near water, including crawfish, clams, frogs, and worms. They also like fruits, seeds, berries, insects, and garbage.”
Scope: Raccoons, Oregon State page
How long pregnancy lasts
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Raccoon Ecology and Damage Management (G3997-005, PDF)“…a 63-day gestation or development period…”
Scope: Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide
Babies
Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: Raccoon (EC 1566)“Raccoons give birth to their young in April to May. They usually have three or four young in a litter…”
Scope: Raccoons, Oregon State page
How much they weigh
Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: Raccoon (EC 1566)“Adult raccoons weigh between 12 and 48 pounds.”
Scope: Raccoons, Oregon State page
How fast they run
Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: Raccoon (EC 1566)“The top speed raccoons can run is 15 mph.”
Scope: Raccoons, Oregon State page
Where they live
Oregon State University Extension, Wildlife in the Garden: Raccoon (EC 1566)“Raccoons live nearly everywhere in the United States except for very high elevations in the Rocky Mountains and dry desert areas…”
Scope: United States, Oregon State page
What eats raccoons
University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension, Raccoon Ecology and Damage Management (G3997-005, PDF)“…serve as dinner for predators (i.e., coyotes)”
Scope: Raccoons, Wisconsin extension guide
What these sources do not say
- How long raccoons live. Neither guide on this page gives a lifespan.
- A full list of predators. The Wisconsin guide names coyotes as an example only.