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Raccoon

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Wetland, Urban
Activity: Nocturnal (Active at night)
Lifespan: Up to 16 years

Overview

An intelligent, nocturnal animal with a reputation for being clever, sly, and mischievous. Raccoons have a stout, grey-black body, bushy, ringed tail, short legs, pointed muzzle, pointed ears, and a black mask on the face. Raccoons weigh between 20 and 35 lbs. and prefer living in hollow trees near the water. Their small, human-like hands and feet have thumbs, which allow them to open many closed containers, such as garbage cans and doors.

Diet

Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic. In some habitats plants provide a larger percentage of a raccoon's diet than animals do. Plant foods vary from fruits to nuts, including wild grapes, cherries, apples, persimmons, berries, and acorns.

Activity Pattern

Nocturnal (Active at night)

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