Mammals Active at night

Crab-eating Raccoon

Procyon cancrivorus

iNaturalist Wikipedia

The Crab-eating Raccoon is the sleek, water-loving specialist of the South American night. With its sensitive paws and iconic mask, this intelligent mammal is a master of the marshlands.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

Head-body length: 45–90 cm (18–35 in); Tail length: 20–56 cm (8–22 in); Weight: 2–12 kg (4.4–26.5 lbs)

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Colors

Grizzled grey-brown fur with a black mask; tail is ringed with 6-8 dark bands; legs are typically darker or sootier than its northern relatives

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Key Features

Distinctive black facial mask
Ringed bushy tail
Slender, dark-colored legs and feet
Pointed snout with sensitive whiskers

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active at night

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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM

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Season Year-round

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Diet A versatile omnivore that hunts for crabs, crayfish, mollusks, and small fish, but also consumes insects, amphibians, and a wide variety of seasonal fruits.

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Habitat Marshlands, mangroves, riverbanks, and tropical rainforests; occasionally found in suburban gardens near water.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Crab-eating Raccoon Live?

The Crab-eating Raccoon is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Its range begins in Costa Rica and Panama, stretching southward across the vast majority of South America east of the Andes. It is widely distributed across the Amazon basin and can be found as far south as northern Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, making it one of the most widespread medium-sized carnivores on the continent.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

14 Countries

14.5M km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

BR Brazil CO Colombia VE Venezuela AR Argentina PE Peru PY Paraguay UY Uruguay PA Panama CR Costa Rica GY Guyana SR Suriname French Guiana BO Bolivia EC Ecuador

Elevation range

0 m1,000 m2,000 m4,000 m

Sea level – 2,000 m

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Crab-eating Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, solitary foragers that spend much of their lives near water. Unlike their northern cousins, they are somewhat more adapted to terrestrial life on forest floors and marshlands, though they remain agile climbers and strong swimmers. They are highly intelligent and possess incredibly sensitive front paws, which they use to 'see' their environment through touch, often feeling for prey under rocks or in murky water without looking at what they are doing.

While generally shy and elusive around humans, these raccoons are opportunistic and can adapt to disturbed habitats or suburban edges where food is plentiful. They communicate through a series of chitters, whistles, and growls, and they use communal latrines to mark territory and share social information. During the day, they retreat to hollow trees, rock crevices, or dense vegetation to sleep, emerging shortly after dusk to begin their nightly patrol for food.

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Camera Tips

To successfully capture the Crab-eating Raccoon on your AI-powered camera, focus your efforts on 'wetland highways.' These animals almost always travel along the edges of water. Look for muddy banks, stream crossings, or drainage ditches where you can see their characteristic hand-like tracks. Mount your camera low—about 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) off the ground—and angle it slightly downward. This positioning is perfect for catching their unique foraging behavior, as they spend a lot of time with their heads down, feeling for food in the mud.

Because they are strictly nocturnal, the quality of your camera's infrared (IR) flash is critical. Use a 'No-Glow' or 'Black IR' setting if available, as these raccoons can be skittish around visible red glows. If you are placing a camera in a backyard, position it near a water feature or along a fence line that has dense cover nearby. They prefer to stay under the shadows rather than crossing open lawns.

Scent is the most powerful lure for this species. You don't need expensive lures; a can of oily sardines or dry cat food placed in a perforated container will keep them interested and in front of the lens for several minutes. Just be sure to secure the bait so they don't carry it off immediately! During the rainy season, activity levels usually spike, so ensure your batteries are fresh and your memory card has plenty of space for video clips, which provide much better identification data than still photos.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Crab-eating Raccoon.

South American Coati

Coatis are active during the day, have much longer, pointed snouts, and hold their long tails vertically when walking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Crab-eating Raccoons are strictly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the darkest hours of the night, typically between 8 PM and 4 AM. They are rarely seen during daylight unless disturbed.

You can attract them by providing a water source like a pond and using scent-based lures such as canned fish or cat food. However, be cautious as this may also attract other urban wildlife.

Despite their name, they are omnivores. Their diet includes crabs, lobsters, and snails, but they also eat insects, frogs, fish, and various tropical fruits and seeds.

While they prefer wild marshlands and jungles, they are highly adaptable and are increasingly found in suburban areas that border rivers, canals, or forested patches in Central and South America.

The Crab-eating Raccoon has shorter, coarser fur, a more slender build, and noticeably thinner, darker legs. It also lacks the underfur that gives the Northern Raccoon its 'fluffy' appearance.

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