Raccoons in North Dakota: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Raccoons stick close to water and cover. In North Dakota, that means along the Missouri River, the Red River Valley, and smaller lakes in the Turtle Mountains. They also thrive in farmsteads, shelterbelts, and even towns. If you're scouting, start with any wooded riparian area, especially where oak or cottonwood trees overhang water. For more about the state's habitats, check out our North Dakota wildlife overview.

Raccoons are almost entirely nocturnal. The best viewing windows are the hour after sunset and the hour before sunrise. From late spring through early fall, they're most active because food is plentiful. In winter, they den up for days at a time but may emerge on mild nights. For a deeper look at their behavior, visit our raccoon page.

Raccoon tracks are the easiest sign to identify. They look like tiny human handprints, with five long fingers and no claw marks. You'll often find them in mud along creek banks. Look also for scat (often dark and crumbly with berry seeds) and den trees – large cavities in old oaks or cottonwoods. Scratch marks on tree trunks are another clue.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Raccoon tracks show five toes on both front and hind feet, but the front print is wider and more hand-like. Hind prints are narrower and more elongated. In soft mud, you'll also see a distinctive heel pad. Compare tracks to other animals: opossums have a thumb-like big toe, and muskrats have smaller prints. Use a tracking guide or our raccoon identification tips for side-by-side comparisons.

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters. In spring and summer, they feast on insects, frogs, and bird eggs. Come fall, they switch to fruits, nuts, and waste grain from harvested fields. They're well known for raiding trash cans in towns. If you want to attract them for observation, try a small pile of cracked corn near a water source (but check local regulations).