Mammals · Carnivora · Procyonidae

Crab-eating Raccoon

Procyon cancrivorus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

Unlike the common raccoon, the hair on its nape points towards its head, and its teeth are noticeably stronger, suited to crushing the shells of the crabs and molluscs that make up much of its specialised diet.

Weight

2 kg – 12 kg

Size

42 cm – 60 cm

Lifespan

19 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Nocturnal

Active mainly at night.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

RainforestFreshwaterOmnivore Nocturnal Solitary Rainforest Freshwater Mammal

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Fun facts

Its teeth, stronger than the common raccoon's, are suited to crushing crab shells.
The hair on its nape points towards its head, the opposite way round to the common raccoon's.
It lives near marshes, lakes and coasts in Central and South America.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)
Habitat & environment: Wooded country near water in Central and South America: marshes, lakes, lagoons and coasts
Birth weight: 71 grams
Size at birth: Blind, toothless and wholly helpless at birth
Sexual maturity: 1 year (though young males rarely manage to mate until they are larger)
Gestation / incubation: 60-73 days
Litter / clutch size: 2 to 7 young per litter (most commonly 3-4)
Lifespan in captivity: Documented record of 19 years in captivity