Raccoons are North American mammals that are best known for their bandit-like facial markings

and similarly bandit-like behavior. They are also known as common raccoons, North American
raccoons, and northern raccoons.

There are two other species known as raccoons, the crab-eating raccoon and the Cozumel
raccoon, but the most well known and common is the good ol’ North American specialis.

(rakun pyclocon)

Description of the Raccoon

Raccoons are easily recognizable mammals, with lots of fur and a number of distinguishing
characteristics. If their bandit’s mask doesn’t give them away, their striped “jailbird” tail will.

The area around the black markings over their eyes is white, and the rest of their body is a
greyish color interspersed with lighter tan accents. Their paws are extremely sensitive and
dexterous, and though they lack opposable thumbs they are quite proficient at manipulating
objects.

FunFacts About the Raccoon

This animal’s ability to survive in an urbanized world, combined with its intelligence, makes
many view these creatures as pests. They tackle even the most secure trashcans, and find their
way into trouble wherever they go. Learn what makes raccoons more than just a nuisance below.

 Magnificent Mask – Those unique eye-markings aren’t simply to make raccoons look
craftier, they actually serve a purpose. Just like for athletes, the dark markings help
reduce glare. When these creatures are scurrying around at night, glare from lights can
reduce their ability to contrast and make it difficult to see.
 Mincemeat – As crazy as it may sound, raccoon is was not an uncommon dish to find on
the table for dinner in America. In fact, it was actually quite common, and still persists to
this day! Native Americans and early European settlers also commonly ate raccoon meat.
 Clever Creatures

Habitat of the Raccoon

These clever little mammals can survive just about anywhere. Prior to urbanization, their favored
natural habitats were woodlands, preferably areas with water sources where they could hunt for
crustaceans.

Nowadays, the urban jungle provides a booming population of raccoons with everything they
need to survive. Populations have thrived with the introduction of cities, and as long as they have
somewhere to climb and escape danger, and somewhere to give birth, they are good to go!
Diet of the Raccoon
Raccoons are some of the most opportunistic omnivores in the world. They will eat just about
anything they can get their paws on. Naturally, nearly half of their diet consists of crustaceans,
insects, mollusks, and other invertebrates.

A large chunk also consists of plant material, and then a smaller portion consists of small
animals. They actually prefer feeding on crabs and other easy-to-catch prey, rather than birds or
mammals. In urban environments they will commonly peruse through garbage to find edible
items.

Another interesting and well-known trait that raccoons possess is known as “dousing.” Dousing
is the act of “washing” the food they consume. While dousing, the animal will pick up a food
item, inspect and rub it to remove unwanted bits and pieces, and then eat it.

Though this appears similar to the human act of washing something, rubbing the object while
underwater actually serves to soften the hard protective layer of their paws so the object can be
examined more thoroughly before eating.

Raccoon and Human Interaction

Humans interact with raccoons incredibly frequently, both directly and indirectly. Many
interactions involve food. Sometimes humans will confront raccoons for breaking into garbage
cans or hunting chickens, other times humans will feed raccoons, causing them to become more
habituated and potentially dangerous.

Many incorrectly assume that “friendly” raccoons have rabies, but years of living in urban areas,
and feeding by humans, is usually the more likely culprit. Sometimes they find their way into
attics, and use the area as their denning location. This can cause lots of damage, and removal or
relocation requires permitting before action can be taken.

Domestication

While they have been bred in captivity, raccoons are wild animals and have not been
domesticated in any way.

Behavior of the Raccoon

While these creatures are primarily nocturnal, it is not uncommon to see them forage during the
day, particularly when raising kits. This is sometimes viewed as a behavior that is a warning sign
for rabid animals, but is much more common than most people realize.

They are social, and mothers will sometimes remain with kits and other related females. Males
will also form loose social bonds with one another, but can be aggressive towards unrelated kits.
Groups will socialize, forage, and rest together.
Reproduction of the Raccoon
The breeding season for raccoons runs from January through March, but the exact timing can
vary greatly by subspecies and region. After mating, females have a gestation period of 63 – 65
days, and give birth to 2 – 5 babies.

Young raccoons, known as “kits,” begin the weaning process somewhere between 6 – 9 weeks,
and are fully weaned by the time they reach 16 weeks of age. Female kits may remain with their
mother, or near her home range, for longer periods.