Printable brochure on raccoons 

Raccoons  Procyon lotor  

 Raccoon with babies

Raccoons are nocturnal animals whose diet consists of invertebrates, vertebras, and plant materials (berries & nuts). They will use any sheltered place as a den such as under decks, buildings, other animal burrows, and storage sheds. Their litters are usually born in spring giving birth to approximately two – five young (kits). Male raccoons have nothing to do with the raising their young. They have a salt-and-pepper appearance with a banded bushy tail and a characteristic black mask around their eyes.  Raccoons can measure 3 feet long and sometimes weigh over 35 lbs.  

Raccoons are known to be infested with lice, fleas, ticks, & mites, known transmitters of disease such as Baylisascaris spp. (roundworm), rabies, canine distemper, roundworm, leptospirisis, histoplasmosis, tularemia, Q-fever, trypanosoma, salmonella, mange, distemper, listeriosis, and canine hepatitis among other diseases. 

This presents a risk of infection to humans and domestic animals if injured by an infected raccoon.

Poisoning raccoons is prohibited. California Fish and Game approval is required before trapping and relocating any wild animal. If you have a problem with any of these animals, call for assistance. All trapped animals will be humanely dispatched in accordance with applicable laws and guidelines. Once the animal is removed, flea control measures may be required to prevent infestations.