Raccoons in Arizona: where to look and what signs to watch for

Raccoons are most common along the Colorado River, the Salt and Verde river systems, and in urban Phoenix and Tucson washes. They stick to riparian woodlands, cottonwood groves, and suburban neighborhoods with easy access to water and food. In the Sonoran Desert, your best odds are near permanent water sources or irrigation ditches.

See our state wildlife page for the next step.

In Arizona, 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.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal. Your best chance to see them is an hour after sunset or just before dawn. During summer monsoons, they may become active earlier in the evening. In cooler months, they may stay active later into the morning near water.

See our Raccoons guide for the next step.

Look for tracks that resemble tiny human handprints in mud or soft sand. Scat is often dark, tubular, and found in communal latrine sites at the base of trees or on logs. Also check for den holes in large cottonwoods, rock crevices, and under buildings.

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Breeding peaks in late winter, with kits born in April and May. You may see more juvenile raccoons in late summer. During hot months, raccoons stay closer to water and rest during the day in shaded dens. In fall, they forage heavily to build fat reserves.

Give it space and do not feed it. Secure trash cans, remove pet food, and close off potential den sites like open sheds or crawl spaces. If a raccoon seems sick or overly bold, contact the Arizona Game and Fish Department.