Hobbies And Interests
Geography
The geographic range of the raccoon extends north to south across North America and into the northern sections of South America. Raccoons occur in southern Canada, with the species absent from the colder parts of the country. Their range extends south into the United States. The only regions lacking raccoons are portions of the Rocky Mountains, central Nevada, central Utah, Alaska and central Arizona. The raccoon lives throughout Mexico and Central America, with its range ending in extreme northern regions of South America.
Habitat
In rural areas, raccoons live where water is close by, with their habitats centered on lakes, ponds, rivers, swamps and streams. The raccoons inhabit wooded regions in such settings. However, raccoons are adaptable; they have no problem fitting in near urban development. Raccoons will live in sewers, abandoned homes and even in houses with people residing in them in small towns and large cities.
Raccoon Dens
No matter what region a raccoon exists in, it requires some sort of den for shelter. Females also need a den in which to rear their young. Raccoons will utilize the abandoned den of another animal, or make their own under large rocks or brush piles. Holes in trees can accommodate a raccoon, as can hollow logs. Manufactured structures are possible den sites for the raccoon. The Washington Department of Fish &Wildlife notes raccoons will spend time in crawl spaces and attics, chimneys, nest boxes constructed for birds and in abandoned cars. Active mostly at night in any region of their range, raccoons use their dens to rest in during the daytime. In cold regions, the raccoon sleeps for much of the winter in its den, but does not hibernate.
Habitat Effect on Diet
In their natural habitat, raccoons depend upon their foraging and hunting skills to survive. They are omnivores, feeding on a huge array of things, including small mammals, insects, fish, birds, eggs, berries, nuts and more. In an urban scenario, raccoons will raid garbage cans left open for food. In rural areas, raccoons have no problem making raids on gardens. New Hampshire Public Television Nature Works notes that corn is an integral part of the raccoon's diet in some regions.