Failed predation attempt by a Northern raccoon, Procyon lotor, on a green iguana, Iguana iguana

Abstract

The Northern raccoon, Procyon lotor, is distributed from southern Canada to Panama. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including temperate forests, tropical rainforests, dry forests, and disturbed areas, often associated with aquatic environments. The species has also successfully adapted to urban settings. Raccoons are among the most omnivorous mammals known, taking advantage of seasonally abundant food sources. During a guided tour with tourists, we observed a predation attempt by a Northern raccoon on a green Iguana, Iguana iguana, in the Playa Blanca sector of Cahuita National Park, Limón, Costa Rica. This area is part of a well-preserved tropical forest on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. The Life Zone is classified as Tropical Moist Forest. On January 7, 2025, at 10:00 hr, we observed a Northern raccoon lunging at a green iguana and biting it on the nape. For approximately 10 secs, the raccoon attempted to subdue the iguana, trying to drag it into the forest. Two seconds later, the iguana broke free and slowly walked toward the edge of the forest and the beach. Raccoons have been reported to prey on mammals up to hare size, but no record exists of them attacking or attempting to prey on animals as large as a green Iguana. However, they are known to prey on turtles reaching 50 cm and 15 kg. This demonstrates that raccoons are capable of preying on relatively large reptiles and mammals.