Raccoons in New Hampshire: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Raccoons are common statewide but reach highest densities near water. Focus on mixed hardwood forests along lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Southern New Hampshire and the Seacoast region have more suburban raccoons. In the northern forests, they are less dense but still present. Check out our New Hampshire wildlife page for more state-specific guides.

In New Hampshire, 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 mostly nocturnal. Your best viewing window is from dusk to dawn. In spring and early summer, females may forage during daylight to feed young. Early evening and early morning offer the best odds. Raccoons are often seen near bird feeders or compost piles after dark.

Raccoon tracks show five toes on each foot with distinct claw marks. Front prints are smaller (about 2-3 inches) than hind prints (3-4 inches). Look for latrines at tree bases or on logs; scat is dark, tubular, and often contains berry seeds. Also check for den trees with claw scratches. For more on raccoon tracks, visit our raccoon animal hub.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Raccoons are omnivores. In spring, they eat emerging plants, insects, and amphibians. Summer brings berries, fruits, and small mammals. Fall is key for acorns and other hard mast to build fat. They also raid bird feeders and trash cans. If you want to spot them, look near oak trees or compost piles in the evening.

Raccoons use tree cavities, rock crevices, abandoned burrows, and sometimes attics or sheds. They often have multiple dens within a home range. Look for large trees, especially oaks and maples, with visible entrance holes and scratch marks on the bark. Dens are often near water.