Types of Raccoon in Montana
Are there raccoons in Montana? Yes, raccoons are found across Montana, especially near water sources and in suburban areas. They are most active at night, so look for tracks, droppings, or signs of foraging. Start in river bottoms and around farmsteads for the best odds of a sighting.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Montana has one established type of raccoon: the Common Raccoon. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 1
- species recorded
- August, July, September
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
235 verified observations on iNaturalist of raccoon have been recorded in Montana, most often in August, July, September.
When raccoon are recorded in Montana
Are there raccoons in Montana? Yes, raccoons are found across Montana, especially near water sources and in suburban areas. They are most active at night, so look for tracks, droppings, or signs of foraging. Start in river bottoms and around farmsteads for the best odds of a sighting.
What types of raccoons live in Montana?
Montana is home to the common raccoon (*Procyon lotor*), the same species found across the United States. No distinct subspecies are unique to the state. They have the classic bandit mask, ringed tail, and grayish fur. Look for a stocky body about 2-3 feet long. For more details, visit ourraccoon animal hub.
Where in Montana are raccoons most often seen?
Raccoons are most frequently reported along the Missouri River drainage, in the Missoula area, and around Flathead Lake. They thrive in riparian corridors, agricultural areas, and even in towns like Bozeman and Billings. Check creek banks and culverts for tracks. Explore ourMontana wildlife guidesfor more locations.
When is the best time to spot raccoons in Montana?
Raccoons are nocturnal, so late evening to early morning gives the best odds. Spring and summer are active seasons, with young raccoons becoming more visible in June and July. In winter they are less active but can be seen on warm nights. Focus on dusk near water for the best chance.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify a raccoon from its tracks?
Raccoon tracks are distinctive: five long toes on both front and hind feet, often showing claw marks. The front print is about 2-3 inches long, with a human-like hand shape. Look along muddy banks or snow. Tracks often lead to water or den trees. Compare with ourraccoon identification tips.
What are common lookalikes for raccoons in Montana?
The most likely confusion is with badgers or small bears, but badgers have longer claws and a different gait. Skunks have a more elongated body and no ringed tail. Raccoon masks and ringed tail are the easiest field marks to separate them.
What signs of raccoon activity should you look for?
Besides tracks, look for overturned rocks, scratched tree bark, and latrines (piles of droppings often on logs or rocks). Raccoons also leave distinctive rub marks on trees where they climb. These signs can confirm presence even if you don't see the animal. See ourraccoon sign guidefor photos.
Where can you find raccoon-themed gear to show off your sightings?
If you want to celebrate your raccoon sightings, check out some fun wildlife shirts. Here are a couple of favorites:
Cute But Feral Raccoon T-Shirt
A playful design that captures raccoon mischief.Check Price and Availability
Funny Raccoon Graphic Tee
A humorous take for raccoon fans.Check Price and Availability
Browse our fullraccoon t-shirt collectionfor more options.
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
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 peopleCheck Price and Availability
What are the best tips for safe raccoon viewing?
Keep a safe distance and use binoculars. Do not feed them; it can create problem animals. Look for raccoons at the edge of water or in suburban backyards. They are curious but should be left alone. For more on responsible wildlife viewing, read ourMontana wildlife ethics guide.
Are raccoons in Montana a nuisance?
Raccoons can become a nuisance when they raid trash or gardens. Secure bins and remove food sources. They are adaptable and common in towns. For coexistence tips, see ourraccoon management page.
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 Montana | 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.
Frequently asked questions
What types of raccoons live in Montana?+
Montana is home to the common raccoon (*Procyon lotor*), the same species found across the United States. No distinct subspecies are unique to the state. They have the classic bandit mask, ringed tail, and grayish fur. Look for a stocky body about 2-3 feet long. For more details, visit ourraccoon animal hub.
Where in Montana are raccoons most often seen?+
Raccoons are most frequently reported along the Missouri River drainage, in the Missoula area, and around Flathead Lake. They thrive in riparian corridors, agricultural areas, and even in towns like Bozeman and Billings. Check creek banks and culverts for tracks. Explore ourMontana wildlife guidesfor more locations.
When is the best time to spot raccoons in Montana?+
Raccoons are nocturnal, so late evening to early morning gives the best odds. Spring and summer are active seasons, with young raccoons becoming more visible in June and July. In winter they are less active but can be seen on warm nights. Focus on dusk near water for the best chance. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify a raccoon from its tracks?+
Raccoon tracks are distinctive: five long toes on both front and hind feet, often showing claw marks. The front print is about 2-3 inches long, with a human-like hand shape. Look along muddy banks or snow. Tracks often lead to water or den trees. Compare with ourraccoon identification tips.
What are common lookalikes for raccoons in Montana?+
The most likely confusion is with badgers or small bears, but badgers have longer claws and a different gait. Skunks have a more elongated body and no ringed tail. Raccoon masks and ringed tail are the easiest field marks to separate them.
What signs of raccoon activity should you look for?+
Besides tracks, look for overturned rocks, scratched tree bark, and latrines (piles of droppings often on logs or rocks). Raccoons also leave distinctive rub marks on trees where they climb. These signs can confirm presence even if you don't see the animal. See ourraccoon sign guidefor photos.
Where can you find raccoon-themed gear to show off your sightings?+
If you want to celebrate your raccoon sightings, check out some fun wildlife shirts. Here are a couple of favorites: ### Cute But Feral Raccoon T-Shirt A playful design that captures raccoon mischief.Check Price and Availability ### Funny Raccoon Graphic Tee A humorous take for raccoon fans.Check Price and Availability Browse our fullraccoon t-shirt collectionfor more options. ### 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 ### 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 peopleCheck Price and Availability
What are the best tips for safe raccoon viewing?+
Keep a safe distance and use binoculars. Do not feed them; it can create problem animals. Look for raccoons at the edge of water or in suburban backyards. They are curious but should be left alone. For more on responsible wildlife viewing, read ourMontana wildlife ethics guide.
Are raccoons in Montana a nuisance?+
Raccoons can become a nuisance when they raid trash or gardens. Secure bins and remove food sources. They are adaptable and common in towns. For coexistence tips, see ourraccoon management page. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see raccoon
More wildlife in Montana