Mammal

Raccoon

Procyon lotor
Mammal Fort Clatsop, near present-day Astoria, Oregon New to Western Science
Raccoon

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Common Names
Common Raccoon, Coon
Habitat
Woodlands, river bottoms, and forested areas along the Columbia River and Pacific Coast
First Observed
1806-01-15
Observed At
Fort Clatsop, near present-day Astoria, Oregon

Lewis mentioned the raccoon in his January 1806 descriptions of Pacific Northwest trapping methods, noting that “deadfalls and snares are employed in taking the wolf the raccoon and fox.” He also referenced raccoon skins in the context of Native clothing, where “two of those of the Raccoon or tiger catt forms the pattern of the robe.” The raccoon was a familiar animal to the expedition members from the eastern states.

Recent sightings

Where it’s being seen today

10 research-grade iNaturalist observations between 2009–2025. Most recent: 2025-12-31. Sourced from Terrain360 trail captures, cached locally.

Journal References

11 journal entries mention Raccoon

Jun 13 1804
Clark: June 13, 1804
...ect of Serounding Countrey in the open Prarie we Caught a racoon, our hunters brought in a Bear & Deer we took Some Luner observation this evening.
Oct 21 1805
Columbia River near Wallula Gap — Patrick Gass: October 21, 1805
...ome small robes made of the skins of grey squirrels, some racoon skins, and acorns, which are signs of a timbered coun- try not far distant. Having proceeded on aga...
Dec 21 1805
Building and occupying Fort Clatsop — Patrick Gass: December 21, 1805
...ome small robes made of the skins of grey squirrels, some racoon skins, and acorns, which are signs of a timbered coun- try not far distant. Having proceeded on aga...
Jan 15 1806
Clark: January 15, 1806
... Deadfalls & Snares are employd in takeing the Wolf, the racoon and fox of which there are a fiew. the Spear or gig is used to take the Sea otter, Spuck, & Beaver...
Jan 15 1806
Lewis: January 15, 1806
...e deadfalls and snares are employed in taking the wolf the raccoon and fox of which there are a few only. the spear or gig is used to take the sea otter, the common ...
Feb 15 1806
Clark: February 15, 1806
...pe, Sheep, beaver, Common Otter, Sea Otter, minks, Seals racoons, large Grey Squerrel, Small brown Squirrel, Small grey Squirrel, Ground Squirrel, Sewelel, Braro,...
Feb 15 1806
Lewis: February 15, 1806
...eep, beaver, common otter, sea Otter, mink, spuck, seal, racoon, large grey squirrel, small brown squirrel, small grey squirrel, ground squirrel, sewelel, Braro,...
Mar 19 1806
Lewis: March 19, 1806
...ation. in this way one beaver skin, or two of those of the Raccoon or tiger catt forms the pattern of the robe. the vest is always formed in the manner first discri...
Mar 20 1806
Fort Clatsop, winter quarters — Patrick Gass: March 20, 1806
...aller quadrupeds killed such as otter and beaver; and one racoon. The meat of some of the elk was not brought to the fort.
Sep 10 1806
Clark: September 10, 1806
...and turkies on the Shores to day one of the men killed a racoon which the indians very much admired.
Sep 18 1806
Missouri River through Kansas-Missouri area — Patrick Gass: September 18, 1806
...l, 211 Quicksand river, 177, 208 R Rabbit berries, 22, 52 Racoon, 203 Rainy, Mount, 169 Rapid-water river, 28 Ravens, 161, 202 Rat, wood, 11 Rattle-snake, descripti...

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