Raccoons in Puerto Rico: The West Indian Raccoon

Yes, raccoons are present in Puerto Rico. The native subspecies is the West Indian raccoon (Procyon lotor insularis).

Habitat & Distribution

They inhabit diverse environments across the island, including:

• Forests (e.g., El Yunque National Forest)
• Mangroves and coastal wetlands
• Urban and suburban areas (adaptable to human settlements)

Key Traits

• Smaller than the North American common raccoon.
• Omnivorous diet: fruits, crustaceans, insects, small vertebrates, human food waste.
• Nocturnal and highly adaptable.

While sometimes considered pests in urban zones, they are a natural part of Puerto Rico's biodiversity.