Raccoon
Procyon lotor · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Procyonidae, order Carnivora, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Wild Predator / Urban Forager
Breed / Variety
North American Raccoon
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern with a stable population trend. Highly adaptable and thriving in proximity to human development.
About This Creature
Medium-sized mammal, typically 23 to 38 inches long including the tail, weighing 10 to 35 pounds. Characterized by a prominent black mask across the eyes and a heavily ringed bushy tail.
Physical Characteristics
Stocky body, pointed snout, highly dexterous front paws resembling human hands, grayish-brown fur with salt-and-pepper markings, black facial mask, and alternating dark and light rings on the tail.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary or small family groups, nocturnal or crepuscular activity patterns, highly intelligent, adaptable, curious, communicates via vocalizations and scent marking, utilizes dexterity to manipulate objects.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
North America, ranging from Canada through the United States and into Central America
Habitat
Forest, wetland, urban and suburban areas; Terrestrial and semi-arboreal
Diet & Nutrition
Omnivore; feeds on invertebrates, plant matter, vertebrates, fruits, nuts, and human garbage. Forages by searching in water and turning over objects with sensitive front paws.
Lifespan & Health
Lifespan is 2 to 3 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity. Predators include coyotes, bobcats, and great horned owls. Highly susceptible to rabies and canine distemper.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tactile perception enhanced by wetting its paws, highly opportunistic intelligence, iconic masked bandit appearance in popular culture.
Ecological Information
Acts as both predator and prey in the food web, helps disperse seeds, and acts as a scavenger recycling nutrients within its ecosystem.