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

Raccoons are most likely found near water: along the South Platte River, Arkansas River, Colorado River, and their tributaries. They also thrive in urban parks, golf courses, and residential areas with bird feeders and accessible garbage. In the mountains, they stay below 8,000 feet. Check out our /animals/raccoon page for more on their range.

In Colorado, 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. They start foraging around dusk and are most active from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. In winter, they may be active during warmer afternoons. If you want to spot them, set up a trail camera near a creek or pond.

Raccoon tracks look like small human handprints with five long toes and visible claws. Their front feet are about 2-3 inches long. You might also find scat (often with berry seeds) near tree bases or logs. Look for dens in hollow trees, rock crevices, or under decks.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Raccoons are habitat generalists but prefer areas with water and tree cover. In Colorado, they favor cottonwood groves along rivers, suburban neighborhoods with mature trees, and agricultural areas with cornfields. They are also common in foothills canyons.

Spring and summer offer the best odds because raccoons are more active raising young. Late summer through fall they bulk up for winter. Winter spotting is possible but less reliable. Early morning after a rain can reveal fresh tracks.