SPATIAL PATTERNS AND DYNAMIC INTERACTIONS AMONG RACCOONS IN EASTERN KANSAS

Abstract

We report on intrasexual spatial patterns and dynamic interactions of northern raccoons in eastern Kansas. In general, extensive spatial overlap occurred among female and male dyads in each season and among age classes. The dynamic interaction test revealed positive interaction among 5 of 9 male dyads, and no evidence of negative interaction. Some male dyads denned and traveled together for intervals of varying lengths (2 to 16 days) in each season of the year. There was no evidence of dynamic interaction among female dyads. We provide additional evidence that social behavior of male raccoons exhibits geographic variation, and some level of sociality might be more common than currently described for this species.