Raccoons

Raccoons are an omnivorous mammal native to North America that is recognizable by its dark mask and ringed tail.University of Michigan Zoology: Raccoon Raccoons inhabit Central and South America as well and are found all across the continents, in both urban and rural areas. They have learned to live with humans, surviving on food sources such as garbage and leftovers.http://fohn.net/raccoon-pictures-facts/raccoon-facts.html

Raccoons are known as a species that has rabies, which can cause serious illness and death in humans. However, advances in medicine have helped cut down that risk. Still, scientists warn that caution should be exercised by humans when a raccoon is nearby.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3n1_M4isfc

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.http://www.projectwildlife.org/living-raccoons.htm The behavior of 'washing' their food in available water is poorly understood but probably has little or nothing to do with actual washing.http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/a_closer_look_at_wildlife/raccoons.html

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 rabies.http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74116.html Experts say that food and trash should be stored securely away from raccoons to avoid attracting them.http://www.projectwildlife.org/living-raccoons.htm Raccoons also do not make good pets due to the risk of rabies, intestinal parasites and because they are not domesticated.http://www.isleauhaut.net/maskd/twentyreasons.htm