What Do Common Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are clever creatures, able to open garbage cans, jars and latches, although they do not have opposable thumbs. Raccoons are often seen as a pest or carrier of rabies, but these largely nocturnal mammals rarely approach humans. They are omnivorous scavengers who live in most areas of North America.

  1. Natural Diet

    • In the wild, raccoons are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Wild berries, nuts and acorns make up a large portion of their plant diet. Raccoons also eat small animals such as mice, baby birds and bird eggs, frogs, crayfish, crabs, fish and some snakes.

    Urban Diets

    • Raccoons will eat food waste from garbage cans and corn and other plants from gardens. They may also sneak away with pet food that is left out overnight for an outside dog or cat. Raccoons have also been seen feeding on fresh roadkill.

    Human Handouts

    • Raccoons can quickly become acclimatized to human interaction when food is involved. Raccoons will eat many human foods, especially nuts, fruits and bread. Feeding wild raccoons comes with some inherent risks. Raccoons may carry diseases such as rabies and distemper. Humans who provide food to raccoons should exercise caution.