Raccoons (Procyon lotor) possess a dense coat that often gives the impression of plush softness. This texture is due to the specific biological adaptations of their fur, which serve to insulate them across diverse North American environments. The actual feeling of the fur depends on the two distinct layers of their pelt.
The Science Behind Raccoon Softness
The raccoon’s coat is a specialized, two-tiered system designed for maximum thermal regulation, which results in its notable density. The outermost layer consists of long, coarse guard hairs, typically measuring over two inches in length. These guard hairs are relatively stiff and function primarily as a protective shield, repelling water and dirt to prevent them from reaching the skin.
Beneath this protective shield lies the undercoat, which is responsible for the soft texture. This underfur is shorter, measuring about one-and-a-half to one-and-three-quarter inches long, and is extremely dense. The high concentration of fine hairs traps air, creating an insulating layer that helps the raccoon maintain a stable body temperature.
Beyond the Fur: Sensory Paws
The raccoon possesses another tactile feature in its forepaws, often compared to human hands due to their high degree of dexterity. These front paws have five flexible digits that allow the animal to grasp and manipulate objects with precision. The skin covering these paws is thin and lacks the thick fur found on the rest of the body, instead featuring a high concentration of sensory receptors.
This extreme sensitivity allows raccoons to forage effectively, even in environments with poor visibility. A significant portion of the raccoon’s brain is dedicated to processing this tactile information, with approximately 65% of its sensory area focused on its sense of touch. This explains the animal’s characteristic “washing” behavior, which is a tactile examination, not cleaning food. When the thin paw skin is wet, its sensitivity is heightened, allowing the animal to better “feel” what it has found.
Why Interaction is Dangerous
Despite the appealing softness of their fur, raccoons are wild animals that should never be approached or handled. Direct interaction poses significant health risks to humans and pets, primarily through the transmission of infectious diseases. The most recognized threat is rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
Raccoons are primary carriers of the rabies virus in North America, and transmission occurs through saliva, often via a bite or scratch. A seemingly healthy or docile raccoon can still be infected, making any physical contact a potential exposure risk. Unusual behavior, such as staggering or a lack of fear of humans, can be a sign of infection, but absence of these signs does not guarantee safety.
Raccoon Roundworm
Another serious concern is the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, an intestinal parasite highly prevalent in the species. Adult worms shed hundreds of thousands of eggs daily into the raccoon’s feces, which they often deposit in communal areas called latrines. These eggs become infectious after two to four weeks in the environment and can remain viable for several years, resisting drying, cold, and heat.
Infection occurs when humans or other animals accidentally ingest these microscopic eggs from contaminated soil, water, or objects. Once ingested, the larvae hatch and can migrate through the body’s tissues, potentially causing severe damage to the eyes, internal organs, or the central nervous system. Maintaining distance from raccoons and their waste is the most effective way to prevent exposure to this serious zoonotic risk.