Raccoon

A raccoon’s face is distinctive due to various markings. The black “mask,” which consists of big black marks around each eye, is the most conspicuous marking. They stretch from the bottom portion of the cheek to the border of the nose. Raccoons also have white patches on their noses and above their eyes. Raccoons have four to six black rings around their tails, while the majority of their body is covered in grayish-brown hair.

Location

Raccoons may be found living all throughout the continental United States in areas with cover, food, and water, including woodlands, marshes, suburbs, parks, and cities. Raccoons are preyed upon by coyotes, fishers, bobcats, red foxes, and great horned owls.

Diet

As omnivores, raccoons will consume both meat and vegetables. In addition to bird eggs, they like grasshoppers, almonds, berries, mice, and squirrels. Due to their nocturnal nature, they hunt for food at night. People are familiar with raccoons because of their cunning attempts to steal food from trash cans in parks and neighborhoods. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters. Because they have dexterous, almost hand-like paws that can grip tree branches, nuts, fruits, and even garbage can lids, raccoons are able to obtain food that other animals cannot.

Reference

Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

Adirondack Ecological Center, College of Environmental Science and Forest, State University of New York