-->

• The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an omnivorous mammal native to North America that is recognizable by its dark mask and ringed tail.University of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon

• Fast Facts

  1. NocturnalUniversity of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon
  2. Sometimes dip food in water before eatingWashington Department of Fish and Wildlife: Raccoons
  3. Skilled foragersUniversity of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon
  4. Hunted for food and skins by Native Americans and settlers since the 17th centuryUniversity of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon
  5. An introduced species in EuropeUniversity of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon
  6. Two related species live in Central America|Central and South Americaniversity of Michigan Zoology: Family Procyonidae
  7. Family Procyonidae also includes kinkajous and coati mundiUniversity of Michigan Zoology: Family Procyonidae

• Zoology

  Raccoons are most closely related to skunks and weasels. What they lack in size and muscle they make up for in curiosity and dexterity. Raccoons have been known to open fairly complex latches and garbage cans in order to get at something they think might be edible.Project Wildlife: Living With Raccoons The behavior of 'washing' their food in available water is poorly understood but probably has little or nothing to do with actual washing.Humane Society of the United States: A Closer Look at Wildlife: Raccoons (2003)

• Raccoons and Humans

  Raccoons are not generally aggressive towards humans and tend to be dangerous only when cornered or annoyed. Extra caution should be taken toward a raccoon active in daylight as it may be rabid.University of California Integrated Pest Management: Raccoons Experts say that food and trash should be stored securely away from raccoons to avoid attracting them.Project Wildlife:Living With Raccoons According to the Web Site Maskd Bandit, Raccoons do not make good pets due to the risk of rabies, intestinal parasites and because they are not domesticated.Maskd Bandit: Twenty Good Reasons Not to Have a Pet Raccoon

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Bears | Bison | Bobcat | Chinchilla | Foxes | Mammals | Red Panda | Otter | Squirrels | White-Tailed Deer | Chipmunks | Elk | White-Tailed Deer | American Black Bear | How to Get Rid of Rodents

Categories

• View History
• Discuss on the Message Board
• Embed this Page
• Share this page