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The Common Raccoon (Procyon
lotor), often just called the Raccoon, is a mammal native to America.
Its name derives from Algonquian aroughcoune for "he who
scratches with his hands". They are intelligent omnivores
with a reputation for being sly. Procyon lotor is the most common
type of raccoon in North America. Adult weight varies with habitat
but an average is 12 to 21 pounds (about 5.5 to 9.5 kg), the largest
recorded being over 28 kg [1] They have black facial colorings
around the eyes, and have a bushy tail with light and dark alternating
rings. The coat is a mixture of gray, brown, and black fur. On
rare occasions, raccoons may be albino. The characteristic eye
colorings make the animal look like it is wearing a "bandit's
mask".
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Raccoons are
nocturnal and eat a large variety of things, including berries,
insects, eggs, and other small animals. Raccoons are known to
"wash" their food before eating it. It is not certain
that this act is performed to actually clean food — some
studies find that raccoons engage in "washing" even
when water is not available. Mating usually occurs in January
or February and a litter of 4–5 young are born in April
or May (varies by climate). Raccoons usually live in hollow trees,
ground burrows, or caves. Males have no part in raising the young.
By late summer the litter will be weaned and begin to fend for
themselves. In severe winter climates, raccoons may become dormant
but do not hibernate. Raccoons live up to 12 years in the wild,
but that is a rare case and most live for a much shorter period
then that.
Above Images Are From The US Fish & Wildlife Service
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