Raccoon

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Eats

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, eating fruits, nuts insects, small mammals, birds' eggs and nestlings, reptile eggs, frogs, fish, aquatic invertebrates, worms, and garbage. Most food is obtained on the ground or near water.

Lives

Forests along edges of streams or other bodies of water, but are increasingly being found in urban environments.

Behavior

Communicates by using purring, growling, hissing, and whistling. Sometimes submerges food to 'wash' them in captive raccoons.

Description

Raccoons have black fur around their eyes, a dense gray coat, and their tails are ringed with black and gray stripes. The five toes on a raccoon’s front paws are extremely dexterous like fingers and allow them to grasp and manipulate food and other objects, including doorknobs, jars, and latches. Their long, bushy tail helps with balance and serves various functions, such as aiding in swimming and climbing.

Did you Know?

The five toes on a raccoon’s front paws are extremely dexterous like fingers and allow them to grasp and manipulate food and other objects, including doorknobs, jars and latches.

How can I Help?

Listed as least concerned due to it's wide range and increasing population in some parts of their range, but there are threats that are decreasing their numbers in more rural areas including hunting, trapping, and poisoning.

Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Endangered
Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Extinct in the Wild
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