The Common Raccoon

This webpage is about the common North American raccoon.

Description about them

The raccoon is a well-recognized animal that can grow to be as large as or bigger than a small dog. It has very distinctive markings. Its body is colored salt and pepper and its fur is coarse and thick. The face has the characteristic black mask and its tail is long with numerous black rings around it. The raccoon’s front and hind paws are very prehensile, meaning they are adapted to grasp or seize objects very well. Their claws are non-retractable.

Habitat

Raccoons are found primarily along streams and lake boarders near wooded areas or rock cliffs, although they will wander from water. As their habitat becomes increasingly developed by humans they are often forced into urban areas. They are sometimes found in backyards, gardens and garages in search of food. They den in hollow trees, logs, rock crevices, or ground burrows. They may also seek shelter or temporary living quarters in the spaces under a house or deck. Rarely does a raccoon family that has denned under someone’s house stay for very long.

Native to North America

Red is the native range, blue is the introduced range.

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