The Raccoon
Nature’s Smartest Little Problem Solver
Raccoons are famous for the black patches around their eyes that look like a bandit’s mask. They are very smart and are known for getting into places they shouldn't! These furry neighbors are excellent at solving puzzles and finding snacks.
RANGE
Raccoons are found all over North America. They live in almost every part of the United States and Southern Canada. They are very hardy animals and can live in many different climates.
HABITAT
Raccoons are very good at living in different places. In nature, they prefer to live in wooded areas near water like streams or marshes. They usually sleep in hollow trees or rock crevices. However, they are also very common in cities and suburbs where they might live in a backyard shed or an attic.
DIET
Raccoons are omnivores. They are not picky eaters at all!
In Nature: They catch crayfish, frogs, and turtles in the water. They also eat nuts, berries, and insects.
In the City: They are famous for "dumpster diving" and eating leftover scraps that people leave behind.
LIFE CYCLE
Mother raccoons usually have their babies in the spring.
A group of baby raccoons is called a litter.
There are usually 3 to 7 babies born at once.
The mother stays with her babies for about a year to teach them how to climb, swim, and find food.
SIZE & WEIGHT
A raccoon is about the size of a medium dog or a large house cat. They are usually between 2 and 3 feet long. Their weight can change a lot depending on the time of year. In the fall, they eat a lot to get ready for winter and can weigh as much as 20 pounds.
PREDATORS
Even though they are tough, raccoons have to watch out for larger animals. Coyotes, wolves, and Great Horned Owls are their main natural enemies. In many towns, the biggest danger to a raccoon is actually moving cars on the road.
ADAPTATIONS
Raccoons have amazing bodies that help them survive in both the forest and the city.
Sensitive Paws: A raccoon has five toes on each paw. They use their front paws like hands to open jars, unlatch doors, and even unwrap food.
Night Vision: They have a special layer in their eyes that helps them see very clearly in the dark when they are most active.
The Mask: Scientists think the black mask around their eyes helps reduce glare and makes it easier for them to see at night.
FUN FACTS
Wash Your Food: Raccoons often look like they are washing their food in water. They do this because their paws are more sensitive when they are wet, which helps them "feel" their food better.
Backward Climbers: Raccoons can turn their back feet around to climb down a tree head-first!
A Long Sleep: Raccoons do not hibernate, but they might sleep for several days at a time during very cold winter weather.
ANIMAL TALK
Raccoons are very vocal and use over fifty different sounds to express their feelings.
Chitters and Whistles: They make bird-like chittering sounds when they are happy, playing, or when a mother is talking to her kits.
The Growl and Hiss: If a raccoon feels cornered or angry, it will let out a deep growl or a sharp hiss to tell others to back off.
The Screech: During a fight or when they are very frightened, they can let out a piercing scream that can be heard from far away.
RESPECTING WILDLIFE
Raccoons are highly intelligent and adaptable, which is why they are so successful at living in our neighborhoods and cities.
Clever Problem Solvers: Raccoons have very sensitive front paws that they use like hands to open latches, jars, and even door handles. To keep them out of trouble, it is best to use "raccoon-proof" trash cans with locking lids or keep your bins inside a garage until the morning of pickup.
Outdoor Dining: Raccoons have a great sense of smell and love "free meals." If you have pets, try to feed them indoors or pick up their bowls before the sun goes down so you don't accidentally invite a raccoon family to dinner.
Sharing the Backyard: If you find a raccoon in your yard during the day, do not worry! While they are usually active at night, mothers often come out during the day to find extra food while their kits are sleeping. As long as the raccoon is moving normally and not bothering anyone, it is just being a busy parent.
Respecting Their Space: Raccoons are usually shy around humans, but they can be very brave if they think their babies are in danger. Always give them plenty of room to walk away, and remind children to watch these "masked bandits" from a window or a safe distance.
Raccoon Photos
