Interested readers can find out here what raccoons eat and what the food in the wild or the food for an injured animal can look like. Keep away or feed, both are possible.

In a nutshell

  • living animals and eggs are eaten
  • Garbage can attract animals
  • Animal feed and leftovers are attractive
  • the raccoon is an omnivore
  • Raccoon food is not always “washed”

distribution

The animals with the scientific name Procyon lotor are extremely adaptable. They also spread very quickly in Europe. Forests, gardens and even cities became their new habitats. All you need to survive is:

  • enough feed
  • a water source, such as a lake, river, or rain barrel
  • Hides that are quiet during the day

Therefore, for example, forests near a stream or lake, gardens but also the city, where the predators find food in organic waste bins and residual waste bins or other waste containers are suitable. You can also see from the slogan that a raccoon is up to mischief.

Raccoon droppings with easily recognizable food remains

aquatic life

Aquatic creatures are an important food source for every raccoon. Raccoons eat among other things:

  • fishes
  • frogs
  • crayfish
  • shellfish in general

The garden pond filled with goldfish can therefore also be particularly popular with the animals.

Notice: Since the predators both grope for food in the water and feel the food itself while still in the water, it appears as if they are washing it. Hence the name "Wash" bear.

food on land

The animals find numerous food sources not only in water, but also on land. For example:

  • acorns
  • lizards
  • eggs
  • vegetables
  • insects
  • larvae
  • mice and other small mammals
  • nuts
  • fruit
  • birds
  • worms

Other nutrient-rich plant or animal food sources are also used. Among other things, raccoons eat mosses, leaves and needles as well as young shoots.

Raccoons like to hide under trees and bushes.

Garbage & Compost

Gardens or the organic waste and residual waste bins in front of houses are also popular destinations for the animals. In gardens or on farms, the compost heap attracts raccoons not only with food leftovers from humans and pets. Insects and their larvae are also eaten.
The same applies to organic waste or household waste. Since leftovers are often disposed of in this way, a raccoon in bins or containers is not uncommon, even in the middle of the city. The animals are excellent climbers and opening the lid is not a problem for them. It can even happen that a raccoon suddenly appears on the balcony on the third floor and, for example, eats fruit and vegetables from the plants.

lining

Those who keep pets outside also offer the raccoons a large buffet. The feed of chickens, rabbits and even cats and dogs is not scorned by wild animals. It may even attract them even more.
Then there are the pets themselves. If these are poultry or small mammals with offspring, the eggs and young are at risk. Since the parent animals usually do not allow this to happen without resistance, the risk of injuries to them is also high.

Prevent

If you don't want raccoons in your garden or on your balcony, there are a few preventive steps you can take. Above all, it is important to make access to possible food and the feed of pets more difficult.
This means, among other things:

  • Lock organic waste and residual waste bins
  • fence in edible plants or fruit
  • Protect garden ponds, especially those with fish
  • do not leave leftovers outside
  • Secure animal enclosures and kennels
Gardens and animal enclosures must be well secured against raccoons.

Tip: Many people think of raccoons as comparatively small and cute. But the predators are up to 85 centimeters long, strong and defensive. It is therefore possible to dig under fences or climb up them without any problems. Accordingly, the fuse must fail.

frequently asked Questions

Is a raccoon suitable as a pet?

No. It is a wild animal that has a high potential for destruction. Keeping a raccoon in your apartment or house would therefore not be good for the furniture, the animal or the human co-inhabitants. The species-appropriate husbandry requires at least an outdoor enclosure and a lot of effort. Because they are predators, they can be dangerous to both other animals and humans. The pointed teeth and sharp claws quickly become a significant risk.

What to do if a raccoon is found injured

Wildlife stations, animal welfare, animal shelters, veterinary clinics, the veterinary office and veterinarians can help. You should always be careful with predators. This is especially true when they are injured. They should therefore not be confronted directly.

Why do raccoons eat more and more calories in the fall?

Although the animals do not hibernate, they put on as large a layer of fat as possible from the end of summer. In autumn, they mainly eat fallen fruit, acorns and other high-calorie food. For this reason, leftover food from pets, for example, but also food leftovers are particularly popular. The fat layer serves as a reserve and at the same time as insulation against the cold.

Category:

Animals in the garden