We estimated growth rates and sex and age-specific seasonal weight fluctuations for raccoons (Procyon lotor) in San Patricio Co., Texas. During 1990–1992 we recorded 248 weights for 167 raccoons. Growth rate parameters for raccoons <2-years-old differed (P < 0.05) between males and females. Females reached adult size as yearlings, while males did not reach adult size until they approached 2 yr of age. Mean weights of adult raccoons differed between sexes (P < 0.0001) and among months (P < 0.0001). Raccoons in a subtropical climate experienced seasonal fluctuations in body weight; however, these seasonal patterns differed in their timing and magnitude from those of raccoons in temperate climates.
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The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 141 • No. 1
January 1999
Vol. 141 • No. 1
January 1999
