American Raccoon

The raccoon, sometimes called the common raccoon to distinguish it from other species, is a mammal native to North America. It is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm, and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg. Raccoons are playful, curious, and fairly solitary animals. They live on the outskirts of human dwellings so they can get food easily. Their habit of dipping objects in water is curious and mysterious. They tend to live amicably with both humans and animals of other species. Behavior: Raccoons are nocturnal, but can occasionally be seen during daylight hours. They are solitary animals and the only social group raccoons form consist of a mother and her young. Although they move slowly, with a shuffle like walk, they can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour on the ground.

Lifespan: 2 – 3 years (In the wild)

Trophic level: Omnivorous

Gestation period: 63 – 65 days

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population increasing)

Scientific name: Procyon lotor

Height: 9.1 – 12 in. (At Shoulder)

Mass: 7.7 – 20 lbs (Adult)