What Are the Seven Species of Raccoons?

There are seven species of raccoons found throughout North and South America, including raccoons, ringtails, cacomistles, coatis, kinkajous, olingos, and olinguitos. Fortunately, only the North American raccoon is native to the United States. Below are some common subspecies of North American raccoons that you may encounter in your Polk County, Florida backyard.

3 Common Species of Raccoons in Florida

There are several subspecies of the North American raccoon that live throughout the Southeastern United States. The most common types of raccoon in Florida include:

1. The North American raccoon – Procyon lotor is the most common species in North America. It’s found all throughout the United States and Canada.
   
2. The Florida raccoon – Procyon lotor elucus is a subspecies that lives in Florida and southern Georgia. Florida raccoons have fewer teeth, patches on their necks and a slightly humped face due to inflamed sinuses.
   
3. Keys raccoons – Southern Florida and the Florida Keys have four subspecies of raccoons, including the Matecumbe Bay raccoon, the Key Vaca raccoon, the Torch Key raccoon, and the Ten Thousand Island raccoon which lives specifically in a part of the Everglades known as Raccoon Key.

The Dangers of Nuisance Raccoons

While raccoons may seem cute and harmless, they can cause lots of property damage and health risks. Raccoons are scavengers that will claw their way through anything to reach a food source, including trash cans, garbage bags, and even screen doors and windows. Additionally, raccoons are one of the most common rabies carriers in the United States.

Safe Raccoon Removal Services

The most effective way to remove invasive raccoons is by calling the professionals at Critter Control® of Polk County. Our CritterSafe® method uses non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that keep the animal safe while removing them permanently. This four-step process includes:

1. Inspection
2. Removal
3. Prevention
4. Restoration

If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem on your Central Florida property, keep a safe distance and rely on the professionals. The experts at Critter Control® of Polk County will quickly and safely remove nuisance and unwanted wildlife of any kind from your property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our effective raccoon removal services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.