The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable mammal native to North America, recognized by its distinctive black facial mask and ringed tail. Raccoons thrive in diverse habitats, from deciduous forests to city parks. Their success is attributed to their intelligence and dexterous front paws, which allow for complex manipulation of objects while searching for food. The raccoon’s ability to live near human populations sets the stage for a flexible and resourceful diet.
Raccoons as Opportunistic Omnivores
Raccoons are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Their diet is heavily influenced by what is most readily available, prioritizing ease of access over hunting specific prey. Their natural diet includes fruits, nuts, and berries during warmer months.
Animal-based sources are regularly consumed, including invertebrates like insects and grubs, often dug out of soil or rotting logs. They also hunt small live prey, such as frogs, crayfish, and rodents, and raid bird nests for eggs and nestlings. Near human populations, their diet shifts to include resources like unsecured trash, compost, and pet food left outdoors.
Scavenging Behavior and Consumption of Dead Birds
The raccoon’s opportunistic nature includes scavenging; they readily consume carrion (the decaying flesh of dead animals). This behavior confirms that raccoons will eat dead birds. A deceased bird, whether naturally deceased or roadkill, represents a convenient, protein-rich meal that requires no hunting effort.
Raccoons use a keen sense of smell to locate these food sources, especially at night when they are most active. While they are capable of predation, the energy-saving benefit of scavenging a found carcass is often preferred. Raccoons consume avian carcasses as part of their diverse food web.
Implications for Yard and Wildlife Management
The presence of carrion, including dead birds, strongly attracts raccoons and other wildlife to a yard. Removing these food sources is a proactive step in wildlife management. A consistent food supply encourages raccoons to frequent the area and potentially establish a den nearby, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.
Consuming carrion carries an inherent risk of exposure to bacteria and parasites, which raccoons can shed through their feces. Raccoons are known carriers of pathogens, including Baylisascaris procyonis, the raccoon roundworm. The eggs of this roundworm become infective and pose a neurological risk to humans and pets if accidentally ingested. Proper cleanup and disposal of any deceased animal should be done promptly and with caution to limit disease spread and discourage raccoon visits.