racoon

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. It is known for its distinctive black mask around its eyes, bushy ringed tail, and dexterous forepaws. Raccoons are omnivores with a varied diet, consuming fruits, nuts, insects, rodents, fish, and amphibians. They are adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, suburban, and urban areas.

These animals are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, utilizing their agility to find food and escape predators. Raccoons are solitary creatures, coming together only to mate. The female typically gives birth to a litter of three to seven kits in a den, which can be a hollow tree, a burrow, or even an abandoned building.

Due to their intelligence and adaptability, raccoons have successfully expanded their range beyond their native continent, being introduced to parts of Europe and Asia. In some regions, they are considered invasive species. Their presence in urban environments often leads to interactions with humans, sometimes resulting in them being perceived as pests due to their tendency to raid garbage cans and damage property. Despite this, they are also viewed with fascination by many people.