Raccoon and Beaver Dance by the Stream

Roseburg, OR–I recently set up some trail cameras at a local stream here in the Umpqua Valley, mostly hoping to capture some images of American Beaver. This sequence shows an interesting interaction between a full-size Beaver and full-size Raccoon, just before 10pm, February 4, 2020. Pay attention to the distance at which they feel comfortable or uncomfortable. There are 15 photos spanning 1 min 20 sec, each with an interpretive caption underneath. To advance the photos, put your pointer on the right arrow and click on it. Once you reach the last photo, the sequence will start over again. Let me know if you see what I see, or something different.

Raccoon goes foraging at the stream edge. Beaver just around the corner grooming.
Raccoon goes foraging at the stream edge. Beaver just around the corner grooming.
Raccoon spots Beaver. Beaver inspecting right rear foot.
Raccoon spots Beaver. Beaver inspecting right rear foot.
Raccoon says "oops, don't want to disturb the big boss." Beaver examines right front foot.
Raccoon says "oops, don't want to disturb the big boss." Beaver examines right front foot.
Raccoon decides to abort path. Beaver notices dashing Raccoon.
Raccoon decides to abort path. Beaver notices dashing Raccoon.
Raccoon makes space. Beaver also makes space and takes to safety in water.
Raccoon makes space. Beaver also makes space and takes to safety in water.
Raccoon calms after initial surprise. Beaver moves to deeper water.
Raccoon calms after initial surprise. Beaver moves to deeper water.
Raccoon assesses situation (is this far enough?). Beaver also wants to assess the situation and swims to get a better view.
Raccoon assesses situation (is this far enough?). Beaver also wants to assess the situation and swims to get a better view.
Raccoon spots Beaver. Beaver spots Raccoon.
Raccoon spots Beaver. Beaver spots Raccoon.
Their eyes are locked. What next?
Their eyes are locked. What next?
Beaver shifts to full forward and swims toward Raccoon. Raccoon readies for what's next.
Beaver shifts to full forward and swims toward Raccoon. Raccoon readies for what's next.
Beaver closes the limit of comfortable distance clearly directing its attention at Raccoon.
Beaver closes the limit of comfortable distance clearly directing its attention at Raccoon.
Raccoon decides this proximity is intimidating and retreats up the bank. Beaver occupies the stream edge space.
Raccoon decides this proximity is intimidating and retreats up the bank. Beaver occupies the stream edge space.
Beaver continues upstream in dominance while Raccoon stares from among bushes on the bank (see eyeshine).
Beaver continues upstream in dominance while Raccoon stares from among bushes on the bank (see eyeshine).
Beaver swims upstream with Raccoon watching.
Beaver swims upstream with Raccoon watching.
Beaver swims out of sight while Raccoon watches. THE END.
Beaver swims out of sight while Raccoon watches. THE END.

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Ken Yananura February 10, 2020 Reply

    Ken Yanamura Total stranger to wild life!
    My comment: simply amazed that you were able to capture what you did! I guess they are there event though you don’t see them.

  2. Mikeal Jones February 9, 2020 Reply

    PS I have a family of Raccoons that occasionally visit my yard and show up on cameras, not a frequently as Opossums. Mikeal

    1. Mikeal Jones February 9, 2020 Reply

      as frequently…..

  3. Mikeal Jones February 9, 2020 Reply

    Matt, thanks for giving me a look at this recent ~10 pm animal drama. I don’t see anything you didn’t mention so far. I am surprised that the raccoon is so sure it has to give way to the beaver, maybe because beaver is best in the water where the raccoon can’t compete. I thought raccoons were pretty tough, maybe on land where the beaver isn’t as agile? It would be interesting to see if it would be different away from the shore, maybe that’s why the beaver didn’t leave the water. I’ll be interested to see if you or anyone else sees something different, if you get more pictures of these two again, or if you have more thoughts. I can imagine some wildlife biologists (Liz, Cindy Haws in Myrtle Creek, Teri Stone, or others) might know more about racoons, beavers, or both. I saw Ray Davis, Josh Chapman, and Justin Hadwen (all former or present – Justin – USFS Umpqua biologists) at a party last night for retiring botanist Richard Helliwell. Keep me posted, Mikeal

    1. Matt Hunter February 9, 2020 Reply

      I suspect that this beaver weighs double or more this raccoon, and due to its size may be able to inflict damage with its tail as well as a powerful bite, whereas the raccoon would be able to scratch up the beaver’s eyes/head perhaps, but wouldn’t be able to inflict a mortal blow or bite like a mountain lion or large bobcat for example. Thus, an actual tangle would likely end up with both injured and neither dead.

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