Raccoon
Geographic Range : North and Central America. Its range is gradually expanding northward as land is cleared for agriculture.
Status : Very common
Length : 24 38 body length. Tail: 8 16
Weight : 15 44 pounds. Males are generally 25% larger than females.
Description : Distinctive mask and 5 10 rings on tail. Long, dense coat is gray-black. 5 toes are non-webbed with non-retractable nails. Soles of feet are hairless. Front feet are adapted to seizing and handling objects, back feet are designed for support.
Habitat : The best habitats are hardwood swamps, floodplain forests, saltwater marshes and farmland. They are also common in cities.
Typical Diet : Omnivorous invertebrates and insects make up majority of diet in spring. They also eat crayfish, squirrels, eggs, clams, fruits and nuts.
Similar Species : Coatimundi, Kinkajou, Ringtail and Red Panda
Life Span : In the wild about 3 5 years. 12 16 years in captivity.
Special Notes :
- In northern latitudes, mating occurs in late winter and early spring, January March.
- Litter sizes tend to be larger in northern parts of their range. 3-7 young per litter
- Gestation period is 63 days.
- Raccoons are born without teeth and eyes closed. They weigh about 75g (0.16 pounds). Eyes open at 2 weeks, teeth erupt at 19 days. By 10 days they are showing the facial mask and color patterns.
- Raccoons dont actually hibernate the body temperature doesnt drop and their activity is usually governed by the air temperature.
- Raccoons den in hollow trees, stumps, logs, caves or buildings.
- Raccoon predators include bobcats, mountain lions, foxes, dogs, wolves, great horned owls and fishers.
