The Raccoon

Description

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.

Habits

They are chiefly nocturnal, but may be seen during the day. In cold weather the raccoon may sleep for several days, but it does not hibernate. Raccoons are very social animals and the young may stay with the mother for up to a year. They are solitary except when breeding and caring for their young.

Diet

The raccoon’s diet is variable. It is an omnivore (eating fruit/vegetables and meat) like the skunk, although it is not related to it. The diet consists of: fruits, nuts, insects, frogs, bird’s eggs, crayfish, fish and vegetables. It is also an opportunistic eater, consuming most anything available.

Common Misconceptions

It is not true that raccoons lack salivary glands and that they must “wash” their food before eating it. Their mouths and noses are moist, providing evidence that this is not true (they love dry cat/dog food). It is believed that since most of their hunting is by stream or creekside, they naturally have developed tactile senses in water that enables them to discern non-edible matter. It is also not true that they make great pets. First, it is illegal to keep one, and second they often turn very mean once they are past the cute baby stage.

How to Keep Raccoons Away

Like any wild animal, the raccoon is attracted to an area because of a food source. If you have a raccoon living under your house, take away any cat/dog food left outside. Scatter mothballs under the house and partially bury a bottle filled with bleach and a rag in the dirt. The fumes should make it leave. Close up any holes once it’s gone.