The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an adaptable mammal recognized by its distinctive black facial mask and bushy, ringed tail. This species is primarily nocturnal and uses its exceptional manual dexterity to manipulate objects with its front paws. Raccoons are skilled climbers and utilize trees for shelter, but the term “nest” is inaccurate for their resting spots. They seek secure locations to rest during daylight hours.
Defining the Raccoon Den
Raccoons utilize a den, which is functionally distinct from the woven nests built by birds. The den serves as a temporary or long-term shelter, offering safety from predators and insulation against severe weather. Raccoons often use multiple den sites within their home range, switching locations every few days. However, a female with young will remain in a single, secure maternal den for an extended period.
The den’s primary function is to provide a secure environment for raising young, called kits. Kits are born blind and helpless, requiring a fortified shelter for survival. Females line the chosen location with materials like leaves, grass, debris, or man-made items to increase insulation and comfort. This maternity den is maintained from the kits’ birth in early spring until they are old enough to forage with their mother, usually around three to four months of age.
Specific Use of Tree Cavities
Tree cavities are one of the most common and preferred natural den locations for raccoons in forested environments. These arboreal sites capitalize on the raccoon’s climbing ability and offer superior protection from ground-based predators. Suitable tree dens are typically found in large, mature hardwoods, which are prone to developing natural hollows.
Raccoons show a strong preference for older, larger growth trees. These hollows are usually formed by natural decay or are the result of an expanded abandoned nest or a woodpecker hole. The height of the cavity provides insulation, which helps the raccoon conserve energy, particularly during the winter when they “den up” but do not fully hibernate.
Ground Dens and Urban Structures
While tree cavities are favored in wild habitats, raccoons are highly opportunistic and adaptable, utilizing alternative locations when tree dens are scarce, especially in human-populated areas. In open landscapes, raccoons frequently seek shelter in abandoned underground burrows created by other animals, such as woodchucks or foxes. They also use natural formations like rock crevices, caves, or spaces beneath the root systems of large, fallen trees.
In suburban and urban settings, raccoons integrate human structures into their denning repertoire. These locations mimic the dark, quiet, and secure conditions of natural dens and are often chosen due to their proximity to abundant food sources. Common sites include spaces under porches and decks, which provide a protected crawl space that simulates a ground burrow.
Raccoons enter the interior of homes, accessing attics, chimneys, and sheds through vulnerable openings like loose vents or damaged soffits. The warmth and seclusion of an attic make it an attractive place for a maternal den during the spring birthing season. Females often enter chimneys, using the smoke shelf or flue as a vertical, protected space to give birth and raise their young. Their flexibility allows them to thrive across diverse environments, often using multiple den locations within their territory.