Raccoons in Alaska: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Raccoons are not native to Alaska. They were introduced in the 1930s on Kodiak Island and later established small populations in the southeast, including the Juneau area and the Kenai Peninsula. Their range is limited compared to the lower 48, and they are still considered rare in most of the state.

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In Alaska, raccoons sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Your best odds are in the southeast coastal region, especially around Ketchikan, Juneau, and Sitka. The Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak Island also host small populations. Raccoons stick close to water sources like streams and marshes, and they often den in hollow trees or rock crevices near human development.

See our Raccoons guide for the next step.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, so plan your outings for dawn or dusk. They are active year-round in Alaska, though they may be less active during the harshest winter months. Spring and summer offer the best spotting opportunities as they forage more intensively to feed their young.

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Look for tracks: raccoon footprints show five fingers and look like tiny human hands. Their scat is similar to a small dog's but often contains undigested berry seeds or shell fragments. You may also find latrines on flat rocks or logs near water. Dens are often in hollow trees, rock crevices, or under buildings.

Focus on habitats with mixed forest and water. Walk quietly along stream banks or shoreline edges, especially near places with trash or food sources (campsites, cabins). Listen for chittering sounds or rustling in underbrush. Use a flashlight with a red filter to avoid disturbing them. Be patient and still.