Raccoon habitat use at 2 spatial scales

Among the numerous studies of raccoon (Procyon lotor) habitat use, none have explicitly considered habitat use at multiple spatial scales. Fifty-seven sites were selected in the vicinity of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. An index of raccoon abundance was obtained from 2 tracking stations at each site. Macrohabitat features were measured in a l-km radius circle (314 ha) around each site. Microhabitat woody vegetation features were characterized in a 10-m radius around each tracking station, Using stepwise Poisson regression analyses, we found that raccoons frequented: (1) woody vegetation features that are associated with fencerows, den trees, and deciduous stands, (2) macrohabitats with extensive agricultural edge, and (3) wooded remnants in areas with extensive corn cover. This information on raccoon habitat use in rural areas will aid in rabies control programs and identifies localities where heavy raccoon depredation is likely to occur.