Do Raccoons Hibernate In Winter? (And Why You Are Still Hearing Them In Your Attic)
It is the dead of winter, the temperature is below freezing, and you hear heavy footsteps overhead in the attic at 2 a.m. Your first thought: “It cannot be a raccoon; don’t they hibernate?”
I have answered this question dozens of times from worried homeowners just like you. The short answer is no, raccoons do not truly hibernate.
They enter a lighter state called torpor, and on warm winter days, they wake up, get hungry, and go looking for food… often right through your attic or garage.
In this guide, I will explain exactly how raccoon winter behavior works, why they are active even in January, how to tell their heavy walking from squirrel scampering, and what you can do if they have decided your home is their winter hangout.
The Big Difference: Torpor vs. True Hibernation
True hibernation is a deep sleep where an animal’s body temperature drops dramatically, heart rate slows to almost nothing, and they live off stored fat for months without eating or drinking.
Raccoons do not do that. Instead, they enter torpor, a lighter, more flexible sleep state where:
- Body temperature drops only a few degrees
- They can wake up quickly when it warms up
- They will come out to forage on mild days
A 2023 study from the University of Illinois found raccoons reduce activity by 50 to 70% in winter but remain active on days above 32°F (0°C). That is why you hear them during January thaws or warm spells.
Read also: Raccoon Lifespan: How Long Do Raccoons Live?
Why Raccoons Are Active in Winter (Even When It’s Cold)
Raccoons are opportunists. They will sleep more in extreme cold, but they do not have enough fat reserves to sleep through the whole winter like bears or groundhogs.
Key reasons they wake up:
- Mild weather; temperatures above freezing trigger activity
- Food availability; trash cans, pet food, bird feeders, compost
- Den needs; females look for warm spots to have babies (late winter/early spring)
In urban areas, our heated homes and unfrozen food sources make winter much easier for them.
How to Identify Raccoon Activity vs. Squirrels (The Sound Test)
The #1 way to tell raccoons from squirrels is the noise they make overhead:
| Sound | Raccoon | Squirrel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight/Thump | Heavy, deliberate footsteps (like a small child walking) | Light, quick scampering |
| Timing | Nighttime (after sunset) or early morning | Daytime only |
| Other noises | Grunting, chittering, babies crying (spring) | Rapid scratching, nut-dropping sounds |
| Movement pattern | Slow, heavy, often in one area | Fast running back and forth |
If you hear heavy walking at night in winter, it is almost always a raccoon.
Signs Raccoons Are Using Your Attic or Crawl Space
Look for these telltale clues:
- Large droppings (1 to 2 inches long, blunt ends)
- Greasy rub marks on beams or insulation
- Torn insulation used for nesting
- Strong urine smell (especially in spring when babies arrive)
- Entry holes 4 to 8 inches wide (they can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps)
Prevention: Keep Raccoons from Choosing Your Home This Winter
The best defense is making your property less attractive. Here is what works:
- Secure trash cans with bungee cords or locks
- Bring pet food inside at night
- Remove bird feeders or use raccoon-proof ones
- Seal entry points with 0.25-inch hardware cloth or steel flashing
- Trim tree branches 10 feet from the roof
- Cap chimneys with animal-proof caps
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Raccoons Hibernate like Groundhogs?
No, groundhogs are true hibernators. Raccoons enter light torpor and remain active on warm days.
Why Do I Hear Raccoons in My Attic in Winter?
Warm spells wake them from torpor. They are looking for food or a cozy spot, and your attic is perfect.
Are Raccoons More Active in Winter or Summer?
Summer, but they are still active enough in winter, especially during thaws, to cause problems.
Can Raccoons Have Babies in Winter?
Mating happens in late winter (January to March). Babies are born in spring, but pregnant females seek warm dens all winter.
Conclusion
Raccoons do not truly hibernate; they slow down in cold weather but wake up on warmer days to eat, drink, and sometimes explore your attic.
Those heavy footsteps you hear in January are not your imagination; they are raccoons taking advantage of mild spells and easy food sources.
By understanding their torpor behavior and sealing your home now, you can avoid a spring surprise when females start looking for den sites to raise babies.
What is one step you are taking this week to make your home less raccoon-friendly? Drop it in the comments, as your tip might help another reader stay raccoon-free all winter!
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