Raccoon
Procyon lotor · Mammal, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Procyonidae, order Carnivora, class Mammalia
Animal Category
Wild Predator
Breed / Variety
North American Raccoon
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern with an increasing population trend.
About This Creature
Medium-sized mammal identifiable by a characteristic black facial mask and a heavily ringed tail. Length ranges from 40 to 70 cm with a weight typically between 5 to 26 kg.
Physical Characteristics
Digitigrade quadrupedal stance with five-toed paws that show considerable dexterity resembling human hands. The hind footprint visible in the sand reveals elongated toes and a distinct palm pad.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, highly adaptable, nocturnal or crepuscular, intelligent, and known for manipulating objects with its front paws.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
North America, extending from Canada through the United States and Mexico into Central America.
Habitat
Forest, Wetland/Marsh, Urban/Suburban, Agricultural; Terrestrial and semi-arboreal
Diet & Nutrition
Omnivore, feeding on fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and human refuse.
Lifespan & Health
Typically 2 to 3 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity. Prone to rabies and canine distemper.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional tactile sensitivity in the front paws, enhanced when wet (dousing behavior), and high adaptability to human environments.
Ecological Information
Acts as an opportunistic predator and seed disperser, playing a significant role in both urban and natural food webs.