Species · GBIF taxon 5218818
Cozumel Raccoon
Procyon pygmaeusAlso known as Pygmy Raccoon, Dwarf Raccoon, Cozumel Island Raccoon, Cozumel Raccoon Bear
Cozumel raccoons are diminutive island endemics, weighing only about half as much as their mainland relatives. They navigate mangrove swamps and sandy beaches, foraging primarily at night for crabs and fruit. These highly social carnivores face severe threats from habitat loss and introduced predators on their single-island home.
NocturnalEndemicMammal
Licensed referenceCamazine / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous (crabs, insects, fruits, frogs)
- family
- Procyonidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, introduced predators, hurricanes, disease transmission from domestic pets
- life Span
- 10 to 14 years in the wild
CR
Can bite or scratch if cornered and may carry pathogens; observe from a safe distance.
Capable of delivering a painful bite or scratch when cornered, and can transmit rabies or roundworm.
Never corner, touch, or feed them; back away slowly if one approaches.Critically endangered due to its extremely small population size and restricted island habitat.
Report sightings to local conservation groups and strictly avoid disturbing their nesting or foraging areas.- Keep your distance: Do not approach or attempt to feed these raccoons, as they can become habituated and aggressive.
- Secure food and trash: Keep all food items sealed when visiting Cozumel's beaches to prevent attracting them.
- Drive carefully: Watch for them crossing coastal roads, especially around dusk and dawn.