The raccoons distribution is from southern Canada, over most of the United States, and down into South America. They have been introduced in Europe and Asia. Their home ranges are about 100 to 250 acres. Within its home range, raccons will mate, locate a den site, and search for food. They prefer their habitat to be in wooded areas near water but may be found close to cities; being extremely adaptable to civilization. Living both on ground and in trees allows them to build dens/nests in hollow logs, stumps, and on tree limbs. They will also use abondanded buildings and cars.

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. They hunt at night feeding on whatever is available including trash from suburban and urban areas. Their main diet consists on a variety of crayfish, crabs, frogs, fishes, fruit, and nuts. Their is a myth that raccoons "wash" their food before eating it; hence getting their name P. lotor. However, the behavior was observed more commonly in captive animals. Researchers have a theory that captive raccoons are imitating the way they would pull fish or other animals out from rivers and streams in the wild.

Raccoons live alone or in small family groups consisting of mother and her offspring. They are mostly nocturnal but may be seen during the daytime. They are active all year long. In the winter seasons, raccoons will go into a deep sleep for long periods of time, but do not hibernate. Many prepare for winter by eating extra food during the fall. The extra food is stored up in a layer of fat just under their skin. Raccoons have a keen sense of hearing, excellent night vision, and highly developed tactile sense for handling and prying open prey. They also have strong, sharp claws which help them climb up trees with ease. Maximum speed is about 15 miles per hour on the ground. In the wild, their lifespan is about 5 years and in captivity is about 15 years. The primary causes of death are humans (hunting, trapping, and cars) and malnutrition.

Raccoons mate once a year between January and June. In the spring, after a gestation of 60 - 73 days, an average of 3 to 4 young are born. They are born with fur and dark rings around the eyes but do not have rings on the tails. The young will remain with their mother for up to one year. During this time, she will protect them and teach them survival skills. The young begin to open their eyes within 20 days. In 4 to 6 weeks, the young are able to support their weight on their legs. Two weeks later, they begin to leave the den and hunt with mother. The young are weaned at 2 to 3 months old. Females sexually mature at one year of age. Males will sexually mature at two years of age.

Raccoons are well adapted to urban life and are not currectly endangered or threatened. However, habitat destruction causes less and less wild space for these animals.