Raccoons are known for being smart and flexible, and their varied food shows how well they can do this. As omnivores, these creatures can eat both plants and animals, which makes them very flexible and able to live in many different places.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different things raccoons eat, both in the wild and in cities. We will also talk about some things that raccoons shouldn’t eat because they can hurt them.
What Raccoons Eat by Nature?
Raccoons are very adaptable animals that eat different things based on where they live. Raccoons are true omnivores because in the wild they eat both plants and animals.
Foods Made From Plants
In the wild, raccoons eat many different kinds of plant-based foods, such as fruits, grains, nuts, and veggies. Some of the plants they like to eat are:
Berries Nuts Grains
Fruits like apples and grapes
Foods Made From Animals
Raccoons eat both plant-based and animal-based foods. Some examples of animal-based foods they eat are:
- Small mammals (e.g., mice and squirrels)
- Amphibians (e.g., frogs and salamanders)
- Insects (e.g., grasshoppers and beetles)
- Reptiles (e.g., snakes and turtles)
- Bird eggs
Raccoons don’t care what they eat, and they will eat whatever is around. This makes their diet very adaptable to their environment.
Raccoons in Towns and Cities
Raccoons eat whatever they can find, which means they will eat anything. Raccoons are known for going through trash cans and taking food from people who don’t know they’re there. Their front paws are very flexible, which makes it easy for them to open food packages and dig through trash to find their next meal.
Some of the most popular foods raccoons eat in cities are:
- Leftover human food (e.g., fast food, fruits, and vegetables)
- Pet food
- Garbage Compost
Even though raccoons are known for being able to live in cities, it is important to remember that feeding them on purpose can hurt them and cause them to lose their natural fear of people.
FAQs
What Raccoons Should Not Eat?
Even though raccoons eat a lot of different things, some foods can hurt or kill them. You should never give these things to rats because they can make them sick or even kill them.
Some things that raccoons shouldn’t eat are:
-Cocoa, chocolate, and coffee all have theobromine in them, which can make raccoons have seizures and even kill them.
-Onions and garlic: These veggies can make raccoons sick and give them anemia, among other things.
-Avocados and guacamole: Raccoons can have trouble digesting avocados because they are high in fat.
-Processed sugars: These can make raccoons fat and give them tooth problems.
-Macadamia nuts: Raccoons can get sick from these nuts, which can make them weak, throw up, and shake.
-Raisins: When raccoons eat raisins, their kidneys can fail.
What do raccoons eat where they live in the wild?
In the wild, eat a wide variety of foods, including fruits, grains, nuts, veggies, and eggs from birds. They also eat small mammals, amphibians, insects, reptiles, and bird eggs.
How do raccoons change what they eat when they live in cities?
In cities, raccoons are savvy eaters who will eat whatever they can find, including leftover human food, pet food, garbage, and compost. Their front paws are very flexible, which makes it easy for them to open objects and look for food in cities.
I am Sam Billings, an entrepreneur who runs a printing business. In my free time, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt and often spend hours pursuing game. I am passionate about hunting gear and equipment, and I take great pleasure in helping fellow hunters find the right gear for their needs. From rifles and scopes to clothing and accessories, I am always happy to share my knowledge and expertise.
