In the wild west of Norfolk, I’d taken on a new piece of land, and I was getting a quote to have it flailed and cleared. The two lads who were quoting me were looking at a “tunnel” a deer had made in the undergrowth.
One said, “What do you reckon made that, then?” the other, with utter conviction in his most knowledgeable and convincing voice, informed the other, “Well, we’re near water, so it must be a raccoon.”
The first replied, “Oh yeah, it’s obvious, innit?”
Yes, those wiley raccoons of west Norfolk, the size of a fully grown muntjac, always looking to wreak havoc in disused allotments in the English countryside!
And yes, this was a real interaction that happened to me a few weeks back.
Anyway, in their actual natural habitats, not East Anglia, raccoons are preyed upon by a huge number of other animals, from snakes to coyotes.
These smart, dextrous little masked bandits must constantly be on guard against larger, faster, or more powerful hunters. Some of these predators might surprise you, as raccoons face threats from land, air, and water.
Coyotes
Coyotes are one of the primary predators of raccoons across North America. These adaptable canines are opportunistic hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves. Coyotes often hunt raccoons at night, using their keen senses and pack tactics to overwhelm their masked prey.
Great Horned Owls
These powerful birds of prey are silent night hunters, perfectly equipped to catch raccoons unawares. Great horned owls have excellent night vision and can fly silently, thanks to their specialized feathers. They’re strong enough to carry off adult raccoons and are known to be particularly fond of hunting young raccoons.
Bobcats
Bobcats are skilled hunters that often target raccoons as prey. These medium-sized wildcats are about twice the size of a domestic cat and possess sharp claws and powerful jaws. Bobcats are excellent climbers, allowing them to pursue raccoons even when they try to escape up trees.
Alligators
In the southern United States, alligators pose a significant threat to raccoons. These ancient reptiles are ambush predators, often lurking just below the water’s surface. Raccoons that come to the water’s edge to drink or hunt for food may fall victim to an alligator’s powerful jaws.
Red Foxes
Red foxes are clever predators that sometimes hunt raccoons, especially young or sick individuals. These canines are about the same size as raccoons but are generally more agile. Foxes use their intelligence and stealth to outsmart their raccoon prey.
Large Snakes
In some parts of their range, raccoons may fall prey to large snakes such as pythons and anacondas. These constrictors are capable of swallowing prey much larger than themselves. In Florida, invasive Burmese pythons have been known to eat raccoons along with other native wildlife.
Wolves
While not as common as some other predators due to their limited range, wolves will hunt raccoons when the opportunity arises. Wolf packs can easily overwhelm a raccoon with their numbers and teamwork. In areas where wolves and raccoons coexist, raccoons often alter their behavior to avoid these formidable predators.
Mountain Lions
Also known as cougars or pumas, mountain lions are powerful predators that will hunt raccoons if given the chance. These big cats are excellent climbers, able to pursue raccoons even in trees. Mountain lions typically prefer larger prey but will take raccoons when other food sources are scarce.
Black Bears
While black bears are omnivores and eat a lot of plant matter, they won’t pass up the opportunity to eat a raccoon. Bears are much larger and stronger than raccoons, easily overpowering them. Young raccoons are particularly vulnerable to bear predation.
Domestic Dogs
In urban and suburban areas, domestic dogs can be a significant threat to raccoons. Large breeds or packs of dogs can easily catch and kill raccoons. Even smaller dogs may chase raccoons, potentially cornering them or driving them into the path of other dangers.
Bald Eagles
America’s national bird is a powerful predator that sometimes targets raccoons. Bald eagles have excellent eyesight and strong talons, allowing them to spot and capture raccoons from above. They’re particularly likely to prey on young raccoons or those weakened by illness or injury.
Lynx
In the northern parts of the raccoon’s range, lynx may hunt them. These medium-sized wildcats are well-adapted to cold climates and are excellent hunters. Lynx have large paws that act like snowshoes, giving them an advantage when hunting in snowy conditions.
Fishers
Fishers, members of the weasel family, are fierce predators known for their ability to prey on porcupines. These agile climbers are also adept at hunting raccoons. Despite being smaller than raccoons, fishers are renowned for their ferocity and hunting skill.
Hawks
Various species of hawks, such as red-tailed hawks, may prey on raccoons, especially young ones. Hawks have excellent vision and can spot raccoons from high in the air. While adult raccoons might be too large for most hawks, juveniles and kits are at risk.
Humans
While not a natural predator, humans have a significant impact on raccoon populations. Hunting, trapping, and vehicle collisions all contribute to raccoon mortality. In many areas, human activity is the leading cause of raccoon deaths, outpacing all natural predators combined.
