Do Raccoons Hibernate in the Winter?
Raccoons do not exactly hibernate during the winter, but they do enter a state of decreased activity called torpor. A raccoon in torpor experiences slower metabolic activity, a decreased breathing rate, and goes into a deep sleep for weeks to months at a time. Some scientists consider torpor to be a mild form of hibernation, while others consider it to be an entirely separate state. The difference between the two is that a hibernating animal stays asleep until spring, while an animal in torpor can be awakened by warm temperatures even before winter is over, only to go back to sleep when temperatures cool down again. A raccoon that wakes up from torpor due to a temporary warm-up typically takes the opportunity to forage for whatever food may be available.What Do Raccoons Eat in the Winter?
Because of the metabolic slowdown that occurs when a raccoon enters torpor, it doesn't have to eat as much during the winter. As the temperatures start decreasing in the fall, raccoons start increasing their dietary intake to build up fat stores. Their bodies then start metabolizing these fat stores during the winter to sustain them while they are in torpor. One of the reasons that raccoons go into torpor is because food sources become scarcer during the winter. Nevertheless, raccoons are better able to withstand food scarcity than some other animals. Raccoons are omnivores and will eat whatever food they can find. On warm days when raccoons emerge temporarily from torpor, they will eat whatever is readily available. In a community like Coquitlam where winters are mild, they may have more success than in areas that get heavy snow. Nevertheless, urban raccoons have adapted to live close to humans and may specifically seek out trash cans for food scraps.Why Do Raccoons Make Dens?
Because raccoons remain in torpor for weeks at a time, they need to find a place to sleep that will keep them warm and prevent predators from attacking them. Attics, sheds and garages provide the perfect shelter raccoons are looking for. Raccoon mating season also begins in late winter. Male raccoons do not help with raising the babies, but the female raccoons will need a den to give birth to offspring and provide a safe place for them to hide while Mom is foraging for food.