Raccoons in Colorado: where to look and what signs to watch for
Yes, raccoons are found throughout Colorado, from the eastern plains to the western slope. They are most active at night near water sources. Start by looking along riverbanks and in suburban neighborhoods with large trees. Their tracks are distinctive, so keep an eye out for hand-like prints.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Common Raccoon · Drew Avery CC BY
Common Raccoon · Shalana Gray CC BY
Common Raccoon · Anders Hastings CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 1,546
- GBIF records
- June, April, September
- peak months
Yes, raccoons are in Colorado. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,729 verified observations on iNaturalist of raccoon have been recorded in Colorado, most often in June, April, September.
When raccoon are recorded in Colorado
Yes, raccoons are found throughout Colorado, from the eastern plains to the western slope. They are most active at night near water sources. Start by looking along riverbanks and in suburban neighborhoods with large trees. Their tracks are distinctive, so keep an eye out for hand-like prints.
1. Where are raccoons most likely found in Colorado?
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/raccoonpage 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
2. What time of day are raccoons active in Colorado?
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.
3. How can you identify raccoon tracks and signs?
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 ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
4. What habitats do raccoons prefer in Colorado?
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.
5. When is the best season for raccoon spotting?
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.
6. What should you do if you encounter a raccoon?
Keep your distance. Raccoons can carry rabies and distemper. Do not feed them. If a raccoon seems sick (staggering, drooling), report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Secure your trash to avoid attracting them to your home.
7. Show your raccoon pride with a wildlife t-shirt
If you enjoy spotting raccoons around Colorado, you might like to wear your interest on your sleeve. Check out these raccoon-themed shirts that celebrate these clever critters.
Cute But Feral Raccoon T-Shirt
A playful tee that captures raccoons' mischievous nature. Great for casual wear or as a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Men's Raccoon T-Shirt
Taucoo is a little bit naughty and cunning, full of energy and bellicose. He loves high-tech and all new, fancy or powerful things. In TYZU Wonder Jungle, Taucoo is a kind of little "bad boy" (Just a small "trouble maker" like to bug people)Check Price and Availability
For more options, browse our/t-shirtscollection.
Undiagnosed But Something Ain't Right Raccoon PNG - Funny Digital Download, Rock On Animal Graphic, Quirky T-Shirt Design
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
8. What are common questions about raccoons in Colorado?
- **Are there raccoons in the Denver metro area?** Yes, they are common in Denver, especially along Cherry Creek and the South Platte.
- **Do raccoons hibernate in Colorado?** They do not truly hibernate but may sleep for days during cold snaps.
- **Are raccoons dangerous?** They can carry diseases, so avoid direct contact.
- **What do raccoons eat in Colorado?** They eat insects, fruits, pet food, and garbage.
For more information on raccoon behavior, visit our/wildlife/coloradopage.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for raccoon (Raccoon, Procyon lotor), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Colorado | S5 | Secure |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Plan your trip
Best time to see raccoon in Colorado: June, April, September
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your raccoon sighting in Colorado
1,546 verified raccoon records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Colorado National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Curecanti National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are there raccoons in Colorado?+
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/raccoonpage 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
Where can you see raccoons in Colorado?+
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/raccoonpage 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
How do you identify raccoons in Colorado?+
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/raccoonpage 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 thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see raccoon
More wildlife in Colorado
Common questions about raccoons