Raccoon Facts

Raccoon Facts

Comman names:
Raccoon ,Common Raccoon ,Northern Raccoon, Coon.

1. The scientific name for raccoon is Procyon lotor. The species term lotor means"washer." The common name raccoon comes from the Algonquin Indian term for “one who scratches with his hands.” Raccoons were given this name because they seem to wash their food in water before they eat it. Even when there is no water, raccoons still go through the motion of washing their food. This behavior most likely serves to soften food items and remove dirt and sand that is hard on the animalʼs teeth.  

2. Its fur is mainly used for the raccoon dogs protection so it can blend in with its surroundings its fur color is earth brown and brownish grey and its guard hairs are black along with its mask and in the summer the fur is brighter and reddish brown. The raccoon dog is both it hunts food and can be food also its main enemy is the wolf and red fox and people like us who hunt them for their meat and fur for coats.Raccoon dogs eat mice, fruits ,fish and berries YUM.

3. The Characteristics of the raccoon dog is one its fur its paws all the way to its little nose.

4. The raccoon dogs ecosystem is usually around thick forest close to water so that they can catch fish to eat.

5. In the summer it hairs change colors but the mask doesn't!

6. Will make a new den if senses it has been found by a different raccoon dog or plain raccoon!  

7. Raccoons walk flat footed like humans, and their front paws work a lot like human hands. Their ability to open doors, refrigerators, and garbage cans causes many conflicts between humans and raccoons.

8. Raccoons are nocturnal animals that love to live near a good source of food. 

9. Raccoons are excellent scavengers- they will raid garbage cans, dumpsters, pet food left out overnight, and even come into a house thru a pet door. 

10. Remove a source of food and a raccoon will eventually leave for better food availability. 

11. A raccoon will bite a pet if cornered or it feels threatened but prefers to run away from danger. 

12. A raccoon might bite a human if 1. it is rabid (intentional) or 2. it has been handfed and is seeking a handout (accidental). 

13. Raccoons can carry rabies and is one of the most common carriers of this disease. 

14. You are millions of times more likely to be bitten by your pet dog, (3 million dog bites in the U.S. every year) than by any wildlife, including raccoons, coyotes, foxes, bears, cougars, etc,. 

15. In a rural setting, there are approximately 5 raccoons per square mile. In urban settings, that number increases to 25 per square mile. The reason -available food. 

16. Racoons are extremely adaptable thriving in a wide variety of habitat types including suburban neighborhoods. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is most abundant and readily available, including human discards, garbage or pet food.

17. The raccoon is one of the most easily recognizable furbearers; well known for its black face mask outlined in white and a bushy tail with alternating black and gray rings. The front and hind paws of raccoons each have 5 digits. The very dexterous front paws are used to grasp and manipulate food items. Raccoons can vary in weight from 12-36 pounds, with some exceptionally large raccoons reaching even heavier weights. They range in length from 23-38 inches including a 7-16 inch tail.

18. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is easiest to find and most readily available, however when food sources are most abundant, raccoons may be somewhat selective. 

19. Raccoons have adapted well to life in  urban & rural areas.  While raccoon families can be fun to watch, they can also come into conflict with property owners and residents. 

20. Raccoons are found in urban, rural, and wilderness areas. 

21. As omnivores, raccoons feed on grubs, insects, small rodents and other small animals, eggs, fleshy fruit (like grapes),  nuts and vegetables (like corn).  They will also eat from garbage and composts.

22. Raccoons breed from January to April; gestation is eight weeks, whelping season is March to June; litter size averages three to five young, which are mobile at seven to eight weeks old and are weaned by late summer.  The cubs may stay with the mother over the winter.  Occasional late births may occur in mid-summer. 

23. Raccoons are mainly active at night, throughout the year.  However, they may be dormant during periods of extended cold or in very deep snow conditions. 

24. Den sites include hollow  trees, groundhog dens, chimneys, garages, under the inside sheds, attics, porches and under decks. 

25. Raccoons have amazing dexterity and use their front paws to pry things open, turn knobs and handle objects. 

26. Except during breeding season or when with young, raccoons are territorial and usually solitary. 

27. The animal’s vocalizations include purrs, whimpers, snarls, growls, hisses, screams, and whinnies.

28. Raccoons weigh only 2 to 3 ounces when they are born.

29. Raccoons can climb down trees head first by turning their back feet around 180 degrees.

30. The largest raccoon ever recorded weighed 60 pounds.

31. The top speed raccoons can run is 15 mph.

32. Raccoons are great swimmers.