Utilization of Rock Exposures for Den and Escape Cover by Raccoons

Abstract

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is generally considered to be a tree-denning animal, and throughout most of its range this seems to be the natural condition. Seton (1929) describes the ideal raccoon den as some hollow branch high up in a large tree, while Scott (1937), Bennitt and Nagel (1937) and others associate a general decline of the raccoon population with the destruction of hollow trees. In the absence of den trees raccoons are known to resort to ground dens. In central Iowa drainage tiles are frequently found in use as substitute dens, and the ground burrows of other animals often serve as temporary retreats.