Raccoons:
The raccoon is a medium-sized, stocky animal with a prominent
black "mask" across the eyes, a long bushy tail with black rings,
broad head, pointed muzzle, and short pointed ears. Their color
ranges from grey to reddish brown to buff, to almost black, Both
front and back paws have 5 toes. Front paws resemble human hands and
are very dexterous, enabling the raccoon to grasp tightly and open
mussels or other interesting items (like garbage cans). Adult weight
ranges from 6 to 25 pounds. Their lifespan is around 5 years in the
wild.
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal. They
prefer to live in tree hollows, abandoned buildings, barns,
abandoned woodchuck burrows, haystacks and your attic. Raccoons do
not hibernate, but may "hole up" for a few days during inclement
winter weather. They put on a tremendous amount of weight prior to
winter. In the wild, they may lose up to 50% of their weight during
the winter months, when food is scarce.
Raccoons are agile climbers and good swimmers, and are capable of
drowning predators and prey. They prefer to run or hide when
confronted, but will fight viciously when cornered. Adults appear to
live solitary lives, but large groups of raccoons have been observed
in the same area where there is abundant food. They also have a
complex range of vocalizations and body language that serves as
communications among the species. Some raccoons may be seen dipping
their food in water before eating. It is speculated that by wetting
their feet, there is an increase in tactile sensitivity. Raccoons
may rely more on touch than on sight with regards to food. Their
sense of smell is acute.
Geographic Range:
Raccoons may be found in the Southern half of Canada throughout the
U.S., Mexico and Central America, In Missouri, the raccoon is found
in urban, suburban and wooded areas, attesting to its ability to
adapt to having humans in its backyard.
Food Preferences:
Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic. In most habitats, plants
provide the bulk of the diet, such as wild grapes, persimmons,
cherries, plums, apples, acorns, and other nuts. Corn is taken from
fields. Other entrees include crayfish, fish, rodents, frogs, bird
eggs, snakes, birds, small rabbits, various insects and worms. Bird
feeders provide some sustenance. Scavenging through garbage cans and
dumpsters seems a favorite for the more urbanized raccoons.
Enemies:
Humans, automobiles, dogs, ticks, fleas, parasitic worms, distemper,
tuberculosis, rabies and Parvo Virus. Owls and coyotes will go after the young.
