There are 3 different types of raccoon species in the Procyon genus. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about each one, including what you can do to help abate nuisance raccoon activity around your home.
Existing Raccoon Species Currently in the Procyon Genus:
🦝 The Common Raccoon
Scientific Name: Procyon lotor
Additional Names: Northern Raccoon and Raccoon
Common raccoons have a broad range, scoping from southern Canada to Panama, and everywhere in between. Descriptively, they are a medium-sized mammal with gray fur and a long, ring-striped tail. They are often seen with a black stretch of fur directly over their eyes, giving them the look of wearing a vigilante mask. At full maturity, raccoons can weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds, and stand 1 to 2 feet on their hind legs.
🦀 The Crab-Eating Raccoon
Scientific Name: Procyon cancrivorus
Additional Names: South American Raccoo
The Crab-eating raccoon is native to the Southern continental regions, in Costa Rica and throughout South America. Their scope is also known to range east of the Andes, all the way down to northern Argentina and even Uruguay. Their diets primarily consist of crab, lobster, crayfish and other crustaceans and shellfish, hence the name. Compared to the Common raccoon, they are similar in size, but have shorter fur and long, slender snouts.
🐺 The Cozumel Raccoon
Scientific Name: Procyon pygmaeus
Additional Names: Pygmy Raccoon, Dwarf Raccoon, Cozumel Island Raccoon, and Cozumel Raccoon Bear
The Cozumel raccoon is unfortunately a critically-endangered species. They are native to Cozumel Island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico where there is currently an island raccoon endemic. The Cozumel raccoon is remarkably smaller than both the other Procyon species. At full maturity, they reach an average of 10 inches tall and 9 pounds in weight. Males are typically heavier than females by 20 percent or more.
Nuisance Raccoon Problems
Although it is important to respect and preserve our local wildlife, it is not necessary to allow them onto our properties. If you are experiencing nuisance raccoon activity around your house or commercial building, it is wise to outsource some professional intervention. Contact a local Indianapolis raccoon control company for safe and humane, non-lethal raccoon abatement services you can trust.
Get a Free Quote for Raccoon Control Today!
Call 317-535-4605 for professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that offer a wide range of affordable animal removal services for commercial and residential properties. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon control, today.
