Raccoon

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized nocturnal mammal native to North America, recognizable by its grayish fur, a black facial mask, and a ringed tail. Adults typically measure 40 to 60 cm in body length with a tail of 20 to 40 cm and weigh about 5 to 14 kg.

Raccoons are native to North America but have been introduced in parts of Europe and Asia. They are highly adaptable and inhabit forests, wetlands, and urban or suburban areas where food and shelter are available.

They are opportunistic omnivores with dexterous front paws, enabling them to manipulate objects and open containers. They are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, good climbers, and communicate with a variety of sounds.

Diet includes fruits, nuts, seeds, insects, crustaceans, eggs, small vertebrates, and human garbage or pet food when available.

Breeding occurs in late winter to early spring in many regions. Litters usually consist of 2 to 5 kits born in dens after a gestation of about 63 days. Kits are cared for by the mother and begin to disperse as juveniles after several months.

Predators include coyotes, wolves, bobcats, and large owls, while humans pose risks through vehicle traffic, habitat loss, and disease such as rabies.

Raccoons are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. They belong to the family Procyonidae and genus Procyon; several subspecies exist across their range.