The Procyon Lotor: The Clever Raccoon
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.
Where in the World? (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.
Homes Near and Far (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.
Size and 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.
Growing Up (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.
What Is for Dinner? (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.
Special Skills (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.
Staying Safe (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.
Saving the Raccoon (Conservation Status)
Raccoons are doing very well in the wild. Their status is "Least Concern." In fact, because they are so good at living near humans, their numbers are actually growing in many places.
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.
Raccoon Photos
