Raccoons don’t hibernate. They survive winter by fattening up in fall, sheltering in snug dens, entering short “torpor” during severe cold to save energy, and foraging on milder nights for whatever food is available.

 

What They Do Instead of Hibernating

 

• Enter light torpor: body temperature drops a few degrees, heart rate slows, and they sleep through cold snaps but wake quickly when it warms.
• Rely on fall fat reserves; adults are often 20–30% heavier than in summer.
• Move less and keep trips short to conserve energy.

 

How Their Bodies Cope With Cold

 

• Thick underfur plus oily guard hairs block wind and shed water.
• Compact build and curling the ringed tail over the body reduce heat loss.
• Burning fat releases metabolic water, so they can drink less when liquid water is scarce.

 

Where They Shelter

 

• Tree cavities, rock crevices, ground burrows, and old nests; in towns: attics, chimneys (capped or not), sheds, and storm drains.
• Choose dry, insulated, wind-sheltered dens, often sun-facing; switch dens if disturbed or soiled.
• In very cold regions, several may den together to share warmth.

 

How They Find Food and Water

 

• Opportunists: nuts, leftover crops, fruits still hanging, insects under bark, carrion, and fish at thawed edges; in cities: garbage, compost, and pet food.
• Forage after thaws, revisiting memorized, reliable spots on short routes.
• Dexterous paws let them open containers or break thin ice.

 

Main Winter Risks

 

• Underweight juveniles often die during prolonged cold.
• Starvation, frostbite, disease (especially distemper), and roads when food is scarce.