Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
What they look like: Raccoons are distinguished by a black mask across the eyes and bushy tail with anywhere from four to ten black rings. The forepaws resemble slender human hands and make the raccoon very dexterous. The coloration of the raccoon varies with habitat, and ranges from grey to reddish brown to buff.
Raccoons have a stocky build and typically weigh from six to seven kilograms (avg. 6 kg or 13.2 lbs). Males are usually heavier than females. The body length ranges from 603 to 950 mm (2 to 3 ft)
Where they live:
Raccoons are found across southern Canada, throughout most of the United States, and into northern South America. Raccoons prefer to live in moist woodland areas. They can also be found in farmlands, suburban, and urban areas.
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What they eat: Raccoons are omnivorous animals (they eat plants and animals). Plant foods vary from fruits to nuts, including wild grapes, cherries, apples, berries, and acorns. Raccoons may also eat peaches, plums, figs, citrus fruits, watermelons, and walnuts. They also forage for crayfish, insects, frogs, fish, and bird eggs. Raccoons have adapted to eat trash and other food available in urban areas.
Behavior: Raccoons are nocturnal (active at night), but can sometimes be seen during daylight hours. They are solitary animals (live alone) and the only social group raccoons form consist of a mother and her young.
Although they move slowly, with a shuffle like walk, they can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour on the ground. Raccoons climb with agility and are can withstand a drop of 35 feet from a tree. Raccoons are excellent climbers and strong swimmers.
Reproduction: Raccoons mate between late January or early February.
Lifespan/Longevity: Raccoons have been known to live a maximum of 16 years in the wild. A captive animal was recorded living for 21 years. The life span of raccoon in the wild is estimated at three to five years.
Did you know?
Raccoons live an average of 5 years in the wild.They are very agile climbers.They are preyed on by coyotes, wolves, hawks, and owls.Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so they are rarely seen during the day.Raccoons have excellent night vision.
Raccoon Teeth Facts
Raccoons have 40 teeth including four long and sharp canine teeth at the front of the mouth of the raccoon.Raccoons use their front hand-like feet to hold onto their food before using their teeth to chew it up and swallow it.The sharp canines in the front of the mouth of the raccoon are followed by the premolars which increase in size as they go into the mouth of the raccoon.The raccoon uses its molars and premolars to grind up and chewing their food until they are able to swallow it.Raccoons are known for their unique habit of washing their food when they are close to water, however raccoons will not pass up a tasty treat if there is no water around to wash it in.
Raccoon Foot Facts
Raccoons have four feet with five toes both their front hind feet which give the raccoon more stability when running and climbing.The underneath of the feet of the raccoon are bare-soled and flat which makes the raccoon waddle rather than walk.The front feet if the raccoon are similar to the hands of a human in both appearance and dexterity to allow to the raccoon to easily hold onto things.The larger back feet of the raccoon give the raccoon more power when running and balance when the front feet of the raccoon are in use.Raccoons have very nimble fingers on their front feet that enable them to untie knots, turn doorknobs and even open jars
Raccoons tend to mate in the late winter to early spring from January to March. However, more southerly raccoon species have been known to mate later with the mating season often lasting until June. After a gestation period of around 2 months, the female raccoon will give birth to roughly 5 baby raccoons, also known as kits or cubs.
The raccoon kits are born blind and deaf, with both senses appearing with the first month. Baby raccoons are not born hairless but instead have a layer of light colored fur, with the distinctive black mask being visible from birth. Raccoon kits are normally about 10 cm long at birth and weigh around 75 g. Raccoons are grey, omnivorous surviving on a consisting of , plants and small such as and the occasional . Raccoons tend to be but it is not uncommon to spot a raccoon during the day.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Family: Procyonidae
Order: Carinvora
Genus: Procyon
Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Size: 41- 71 cm (16-28 inch)
Weight: 3.5-9kg (7.7-19.8lbs)
Top Speed: 24km/h (15mph)
Life span: 12-16 years
Lifestyle: Solitary
Conversation Status: Least Concern
Favorite Food: Fish
Habitat: Woodland areas close to water
Average litter size: 5
Main Prey: Fish, Nuts, Berries, Corn
Predators: Bobcat, Foxes, Wolves, Mountain Lions
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