Raccoonアライグマ

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Procyonidae Source

Distribution

Native to North America, ranging from Canada to Panama. Escaped and released pets established feral populations across Japan from the 1970s onward, and the species was designated an Invasive Alien Species there in 2005. Source

Did You Know?

• Almost two-thirds of the area responsible for sensory perception in the raccoon's cerebral cortex is specialized for interpreting tactile impulses, a higher proportion than in any other studied animal. Source
• The species name lotor is Latin for "washer," inspired by the dousing behavior seen in captivity, though this differs from actual foraging behavior in the wild. Source
• In Japan, agricultural damage attributed to feral raccoons reached about 280 million yen in fiscal 2009, roughly doubling within just a few years. Source

FAQ

What do raccoons eat?

Raccoons are omnivores with a diet of roughly 40% invertebrates, 33% plant material, and 27% vertebrates, shifting from insects and worms in spring and summer to calorie-rich nuts and fruits in fall. Source

Are raccoons native to Japan?

No. Raccoons are native to North America. Pets imported to Japan from the 1970s escaped or were released and established wild populations nationwide, leading to the species being designated an Invasive Alien Species in 2005. Source

Why do raccoons seem to "wash" their food?

Their scientific name lotor means "washer" because captive raccoons often douse food in water, a behavior linked to their extraordinarily sensitive front paws rather than actual cleaning. Source