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.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal You Can Trust

Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured nuisance wildlife removal contractors who offer a wide range of 24 hour raccoon removal and control services, including raccoon cleanup, raccoon proofing, minor restorations for raccoon damages, and more. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate or emergency service, today.

The Three Extant Species of Raccoon

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.

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Crab-Eating Raccoons

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.