Common Raccoon vs Hairy-nosed otter

Procyon lotor compared with Lutra sumatrana

Key Differences

• Common Raccoon is Least Concern while Hairy-nosed otter is Endangered.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Common Raccoon	Hairy-nosed otter
Kingdom same	Animalia (动物界)	Animalia (动物界)
Phylum same	Chordata (脊索动物门)	Chordata (脊索动物门)
Class same	Mammalia (哺乳動物)	Mammalia (哺乳動物)
Order same	Carnivora (食肉目)	Carnivora (食肉目)
Family	Procyonidae (Raccoons)	Mustelidae (Weasels & Otters)
Genus	Procyon	Lutra (Otters)
Species	Procyon lotor	Lutra sumatrana

Evolutionary Relationship

Common Raccoon and Hairy-nosed otter share a common ancestor at the Order level: Carnivora. (食肉目)

Conservation Status

Common Raccoon

LC — Least Concern

Hairy-nosed otter

EN — Endangered

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Common Raccoon	Hairy-nosed otter
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).

Hairy-nosed otter

Habitat

Typically found in diverse terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

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.