AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Procyon lotor
Raccoon
Linnaeus, 1758
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal with a characteristic appearance including a dark facial mask and a thick tail with alternating black and gray bands.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Carnivora
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Procyonidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Procyon
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1758
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
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Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Omnivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
They inhabit deciduous forests, swamps and urban areas. Found from sea level to 2,400 meters.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly nocturnal animals. Solitary except during breeding season. Use shelters in trees and sewers. Highly adaptable and territorial.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary with overlapping territories. Males with wider ranges than females. Vocalizations for communication.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Feed on fruits, insects, small vertebrates. Consume 40% animal and 60% plant matter in wild.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Opportunistic omnivores of fruits, crustaceans and urban garbage. In nature prefer water-based foods.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Breeding mainly January to March. Gestation 63-65 days. Active rearing 8-10 weeks. Males do not participate in parental care.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
40.0 - 75.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3.50 kg - 9.00 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
63 - 65
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 3 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males significantly larger up to 10-15% heavier. Wider head. Darker coat. More prominent canines.
Females Multi-lang
Females smaller and more slender. Finer face. Lighter coat. Visible teats during breeding season.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Extremely sensitive hands with fine control of digits for manipulation. Excellent night vision. Agile body for climbing and swimming.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss from urban development. Human conflicts. Diseases from parasites. Vehicle traffic. Predation by dogs and coyotes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Son expertos lavadores de alimentos
Extremadamente adaptables
Poseen memoria excepcional
Son muy inteligentes
Pueden nadar hasta 6 km sin parar