Raccoon

NPS Photo

Scientific Name

Procyon lotor

Identification

• 10-20 lbs
• Short, stocky mammals with gray fur, a black “mask” on their face, and black rings on their bushy tails

Range and Habitat

Raccoons generally prefer to live in wooded areas near bodies of water like lakes, streams, and ponds. However, raccoons can live just about anywhere if there is enough food, water, and shelter for them. Raccoons typically use dens for shelter and raising young. Their dens can be found in abandoned burrows, hollow logs, holes in trees, and brush piles.

 

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Diet

Raccoons are omnivores and eat just about whatever they can get their hands on. They’ll eat berries, nuts, seeds, insects, birds and their eggs, fish, frogs, snakes, and more.

Fun Facts

• Raccoons are most closely related to the bear (Ursidae) and weasel (Mustelidae) families.
• Raccoons hiss and growl and can screech like an owl.
• Their front paws are very dextrous, meaning they can use them to handle and hold things.

 

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