Common Raccoon vs Eurasian Least Shrew

Procyon lotor compared with Sorex minutissimus

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Common Raccoon	Eurasian Least Shrew
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Chordata (Chordates)	Chordata (Chordates)
Class same	Mammalia (Mammals)	Mammalia (Mammals)
Order	Carnivora (Carnivorans)	Soricomorpha (Soricomorpha)
Family	Procyonidae (Raccoons)	Soricidae
Genus	Procyon	Sorex
Species	Procyon lotor	Sorex minutissimus

Evolutionary Relationship

Common Raccoon and Eurasian Least Shrew share a common ancestor at the Class level: Mammalia. (Mammals)

Conservation Status

Common Raccoon

LC — Least Concern

Eurasian Least Shrew

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Common Raccoon	Eurasian Least Shrew
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Common Raccoon

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests, and tropical and subtropical coniferous forests, among 7 distinct biome types spanning the Neotropic and Palearctic realms.

Range

Widely distributed across Asia (4 countries), Europe (23 countries), North America (5 countries), and South America (Colombia).

Eurasian Least Shrew

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Norway, Russia, and Sweden.

Common Raccoon

<em>Procyon lotor</em>, the common raccoon, is a medium-sized mammal in the family Procyonidae, order Carnivora. Native to North America, it has been introduced across parts of Europe and Asia, making it one of the most geographically widespread non-domestic mammals in temperate regions. Raccoons typically inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, wetlands, urban parks, and suburban neighborhoods, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to human-modified landscapes. Their geographic range spans from Canada south through the continental United States into Panama, with introduced populations established in Germany, France, Japan, and parts of Russia. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with populations stable or increasing across much of its range. Raccoons are omnivorous, typically consuming invertebrates, small vertebrates, fish, fruits, nuts, and human refuse depending on seasonal availability. Their distinctive black facial mask and ringed tail make them immediately recognizable. They are primarily nocturnal and are known for their dexterous forepaws, which they use to manipulate food and open containers. Raccoons do not hibernate in most of their range but may enter extended periods of torpor during harsh winters.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway 🇷🇺 Russia 🇸🇪 Sweden