13 Raccoon Sounds Decoded: What Each One Means

Hear a thin whistle in your attic, a snort under the deck, or a scream in the yard? Raccoon sounds follow a simple pitch rule: low and rough means defending something, high and clear means scared or very young. This video walks through the 13 raccoon calls counted in the most detailed study of raccoon vocalisations (Sieber, 1984), what each group of calls means, and what you can and can't tell from the sounds around your own yard. Chapters 0:00 Three sounds in the dark 0:32 The short answer: 13 calls, one rule 1:04 The "200 raccoon sounds" claim has no source 1:24 Sieber's study: 520 hours in a Virginia barn 2:11 What one captive study can and can't tell you 3:15 The pitch rule behind it all 3:45 Distress calls: whistle, squeal, cry, screech 5:22 Hostile calls: snort, growl, bark, grunt 7:08 Contact calls: chitter, churr, purr, gecker 8:12 Why the friendly calls break the rule 8:48 What each sound means around your house 10:42 Two cautions before you start listening 11:30 Try it tonight Sources Sieber, O. J. (1984). Vocal communication in raccoons (Procyon lotor). Behaviour 90: 80-113. MassWildlife (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife): guidance on rabies, distemper and daytime raccoon activity. If raccoons are living in your attic, chimney or shed, contact your state wildlife agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Don't handle them yourself. #raccoons #backyardwildlife #wilddecoded