Types of Raccoon Species Found Around the Globe

There are various types of raccoons in the world. Each species is similar to each other, but different in their special ways. The wild raccoon varies from region to region. Their surrounding environment, climate, and diet influence their unique and identifying qualities. Continue reading to learn about the interesting types of raccoon species found all around the world.

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North American Raccoon – Procyon Lotor

North America

The most common North American raccoon is called the Procyon Lotor. These colonies are found throughout Canada and the United States. Their appearance is what most people would consider the typical raccoon stereotype. They have a black mask-like stripe across their eyes and a striped bushy tail.  Their coat can vary in color, from tones of gray to dark browns. 

Adults weight an average of 25 to 30 pounds, and grow to a height of 30 to 36 inches.  They have black beady eyes, long claws, and dexterous paws. They are excellent climbers that partake in a diet of fruits, berries, small invertebrates, and insects. This species is nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and stay active at night. For shelter, raccoons use hollow trees, dens, attics, and any other small available spaces they can find. This is why they can be considered a nuisance in residential and commercial neighborhoods.

Central and South America

There is a raccoon known in the central and south Americas called the Crab Eating Raccoon, or scientifically, Procyon Cancrivorus. It lives in marshes and jungles all throughout the region. They are recognized by their salt and pepper looking coats, speckled with hues of brown and gray . They usually eat aquatic insects, crabs, crayfish, and small fish; hence the name Crab Eating Raccoon.

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Crab-Eating Raccoon – Procyon Cancrivorus

Another interesting species of raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon.  These raccoon colonies are found in small numbers throughout the island of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles.  They are smaller than the average raccoon, with dark grey fur.  They are an endangered species, and only found on this island.  They live in the rain forests and often hunted by humans as food.  Their diet consists of frogs, acorns, berries, crayfish, and other small invertebrates.

Raccoons are fascinating and intelligent animals to admire; however, if they are invading your property or home, it may be time to call a raccoon removal specialist.

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Exotic South and Central American Raccoon Species

Since the mid-twentieth century, raccoons have inhabited various parts of the world, outside the United States. In fact, species of raccoon were deliberately introduced to parts of Europe and Asia during these times. Now, raccoons are found in Central and South America, regions in Asia, Europe, and even in the Caribbean!

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about exotic raccoon species found around the South and Central Americas.

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Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus)

South and Central American Raccoons

In these parts of the world, several raccoon species can be found. For example, the Crab-Eating raccoon is a commonly spotted species in the jungles and marshes of the central and south Americas. They are scientifically referred to as Procyon Cancrivorus. Its most distinguishable physical characteristic is its short brown and grey-white fur that almost resembles a salt-and-pepper beard. They can grow to be anywhere from eighteen to thirty inches or more; and typically weigh between five to thirty pounds. Crab-eating raccoons obviously eat crabs; but they also hunt, capture, and feed off other shellfish and aquatic insects and invertebrates.

Tres Marias Raccoon

Also found in these regions is the Tres Marias Raccoon. Scientifically referred to as Procyon Insularis; these raccoons live on the Maria Madre Island, off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico. It is similar to the crab-eating species in that it also dines on shellfish and aquatic animals; but they also feed on forest findings like nuts and seeds. The Tres Marias Raccoon has a golden brown hue to its tail, and a pale brown body. According to the Mexican government, the Tres Marias raccoon species is endangered and limited. This makes them a protected species as well.

Guadeloupe Raccoon

Another interesting Central and South American raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon. Although on a French-controlled island, the Guadeloupe Raccoon is a true rain forest dweller. It feeds on frogs, snails, acorns, berries, and of course fish. They have dark gray bodies and bushy gray-white tails; making them appears different than most other raccoon species. They are scientifically called Procyon Minor, particularly because they are smaller than most raccoon species as well.

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