Meet the Critically Endangered Cozumel Raccoon
Cozumel's Dwarf Raccoon
The Raccoons in Cozumel are Special
The Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus), also known as the pygmy raccoon, is a critically endangered species found only on Cozumel Island, Mexico. This dwarf raccoon is significantly smaller than its mainland counterpart, the common raccoon (Procyon lotor). The pygmy raccoon faces severe threats from habitat destruction, tourism-related development, anthropogenic food sources, hurricanes, and more.
There are only around 192 mature Cozumel raccoons left in the world.
Why Are Cozumel Raccoons Going Extinct?
Habitat Destruction
Cozumel’s massive tourism industry, which attracts over 4 million visitors per year, has resulted in coastal development and deforestation. The raccoons rely heavily on mangrove forests, coastal areas, and forests, but much of this habitat has been cleared for hotels, cruise ship docks, and roads.
Human Interaction
Tourists frequently encounter Cozumel raccoons, especially in areas like Punta Sur and resorts towards the south of the island. However, research shows that most visitors are unaware of their critically endangered status and frequently feed them unhealthy human food and remove the natural fear of humans that keeps the raccoons safe.
Roadkill
The expansion of roads and highways on Cozumel has led to increased roadkill incidents, further reducing the pygmy raccoon’s already small population.
Invasive Species
Introduced predators like feral dogs, boa constrictors, and other species threaten the Cozumel raccoon population. Additionally, diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, and parasites from domestic animals can easily transfer to pygmy raccoons and further harm the species.
Hybridization
The introduction of common raccoons (Procyon lotor) to Cozumel via people bringing them over as pets from the mainland poses a risk of hybridization. This threatens the Cozumel raccoon’s existence as a distinct species.
Population Fragmentation
As roads, resorts, and urban areas expand, the habitat of the Cozumel raccoon is increasingly fragmented, isolating populations and making it harder for individuals to find mates, access food, and maintain genetic diversity
Hurricanes
Climate change is making major hurricanes more frequent in Cozumel. These hurricanes directly injure the pygmy raccoons, destroy coastal habitats, reduce food availability, and cause dramatic population declines.
Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips are the most common human food fed to Cozumel raccoons. Foods such as tortilla chips are unhealthy and disrupt their natural diet, leading to poor nutrition, diabetes, dependence on humans, and increased conflicts with people.
Pygmy Raccoons vs Common Raccoons
How Are The Raccoons in Cozumel Different?
Cozumel raccoons/pygmy raccoons are a completely separate species from the raccoons found on the mainland. The raccoons in Cozumel are Procyon pygmaeus and the rest of the raccoons in North America are Procyon lotor.
While they may look similar, the Cozumel raccoon is significantly smaller, with an average body weight of 3.5 kg (compared to 6.3 kg in common raccoons). Pygmy raccoons also have shorter fur, lighter coats, no fluffy fur around their faces, and shorter tails. The Cozumel raccoons also have narrower, more upturned snouts.
Do Your Part for Pygmy Raccoons
How Can You Help Protect the Cozumel Raccoon?
If you’re visiting Cozumel, you can help protect this endangered species by following these responsible tourism practices:
- Do not feed them--even if they beg!
- Keep your distance
- Dispose of waste properly
- Educate others about the Cozumel raccoon
Cozumel Raccoon Q&A
Technically, they can, but they absolutely shouldn't. Pygmy raccoons are adapted to a diet that primarily consists of crabs, fruits, and insects. Tortilla chips and other processed foods contain high levels of salt, oil, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that their digestive systems are not equipped to handle. Consuming human food can lead to malnutrition, digestive issues, diabetes, and other long-term health problems, weakening an already critically endangered population
Feeding the critically endangered Cozumel raccoon is harmful for several reasons. First, it alters their natural behavior, making them more likely to approach humans and depend on tourists for food rather than foraging in their natural environment. This habituation increases their risk of road accidents, injuries, and negative interactions with people. Second, human food can lead to serious health issues, as it is not nutritionally adequate for raccoons and can contribute to disease spread. Lastly, close contact between humans and raccoons increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission, posing a health threat to both wildlife and people.
The diet of the Cozumel raccoon primarily consists of crabs, insects, fruits, lizards and other small vertebrates. These raccoons are highly dependent on coastal and mangrove ecosystems, where they forage for food. Crabs make up a significant portion of their diet, providing essential nutrients. When their habitat is disturbed by human development, or when tourists feed them unhealthy snacks, it disrupts their natural feeding habits and threatens their survival.
No, Mexican raccoons are not coatis. There are two species of raccoons found in Mexico, the common raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the pygmy or Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus.) The pygmy raccoon is the only species of raccoon found in Cozumel and is critically endangered. The Cozumel island dwarf coatis are also an endangered species, but they are not raccoons. Coatis are more closely related to the olingo.
No, there are currently no pygmy raccoons in captivity. Unlike their common raccoon relatives, pygmy raccoons have never been bred or kept in zoos. Their survival depends entirely on conservation efforts in the wild, which makes protecting their natural habitat on Cozumel crucial to their continued existence.
No, you should not attempt to pet the raccoons in Cozumel. Despite their small size and seemingly friendly behavior, these raccoons are wild animals, not pets. Approaching or touching them can cause stress, increase the risk of bites, and encourage unnatural behaviors that put them in danger. Additionally, raccoons can carry diseases and parasites that may be harmful to humans. The best way to appreciate the Cozumel raccoon is to observe from a distance and respect their wild nature.
The pygmy raccoon is an important part of Cozumel's ecosystem, and is a species found nowhere else on the planet. Its decline is a direct result of human activity, and its extinction would mean the loss of an irreplaceable part of Cozumel’s biodiversity and cause an alteration of the food chain.
While the exact number of remaining pygmy/Cozumel raccoons are unknown, there are thought to be only around 192 adult individuals left.
