Common Name:
Raccoon
Scientific Name:
Procyon lotor
Unique Qualities:
The raccoon is easily identified by the black "mask" of fur around its eyes and the long, bushy tail with anywhere from four to ten black rings on it. It is known for washing its food before eating. A raccoon is an excellent tree climber and can jump from heights of 35 or 40 feet! It has excellent hearing and can see extremely well in the dark. On the ground this animal usually walks, but it can run and is a good swimmer. It can easily turn doorknobs and open refrigerators. When it gets very cold, the raccoon may sleep for several days or even a month or more; however, it does not hibernate.
Can be Seen:
The raccoon is native to the southern portions of the Canadian provinces and most of the United States.
Likes to Hang Out:
The raccoon likes to hang out along stream edges, open forests and coastal marshes. The raccoon lives in hollow trees and logs. It often uses the ground burrows of other animals for raising its young or for sleeping during the coldest part of the winter months. Raccoons are often found in cities and suburbs as well as in rural areas.
Likes to Eat:
Like humans, the raccoon is omnivorous and will eat just about anything. Its diet mainly consists of plants. It likes to eat sweets, fruits, bread, peanut butter, and especially cat and dog food. A raccoon will also eat other vertebrates, but generally sticks to invertebrates like insects and crayfish. In urban areas, raccoons have adapted to digging through trash to find food.
Status:
The raccoon population is abundant and has grown since the turn of the century, and managed to adapt to human urbanization.
