Spacing pattern of introduced female raccoons (<i>Procyon lotor</i>) in Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

We tracked six female raccoons (Procyon lotor) from June 1997 to October 1999 on the in Hokkaido, Japan and examined the distribution of home range characteristics, habitat selection, and interaction among individuals to identify the factors that affect seasonal spacing patterns. Female raccoons maintained home ranges throughout the year. Habitat use changed seasonally, with frequent use of wetlands and riparian areas between March and August, and higher use of forests from September to December. Home ranges overlapped broadly, but the core areas were generally exclusive of each other. Female raccoons are likely to have stable home ranges through a year to secure the various resources (food, water, and resting site) that are required and select the habitat associated with food resource available within each home range. This spacing pattern among female raccoons was similar to that in their native habitat and was consistent with the general mammalian pattern where female distribution was affected by resources. The control of this non-native species should focus on the aquatic areas during spring to summer.