Page 140 - Present Day Wildlife_Float

Raccoons are small to medium size nocturnal mammals numbering 3 species* and 26 subspe-
cies in the genus Procyon a member of the family Procyonidae. They are all native to the Americas,
however, over the years they have been introduced into several European and Asian countries includ-
ing Russia, for their fur and for hunting. They have been so successful and numerous in many of these
countries they have become a pest. The largest of the species is believed to be the Common raccoon,
better known as the North American raccoon, and is around 75 to 90 cm in length including the tail
and weighs about 10 kg. The Cozumel rac-
coon found only on a small Mexican island
was recognised in 2017 by the Guinness
World Records as the smallest Raccoon in
the world.

Procyon (genus)
*Common raccoon (P. lotor) (22 Subspecies)
*Crab-eating raccoon (P. cancrivorus)(4
Subspecies)
*Cozumel raccoon (P. Pygmaeus)

The raccoons body has a grizzled grey
outer coat. It’s loose and coarse and in some
animals can be a brownish or yellowish grey.
It has a dense winter undercoat and its belly
or underside is a much paler blend of greys.
It has a bushy black or dark brown tail with black and white rings. It has a round head, short snout, a
small black nose and jaws lined with around 40 sharp teeth. It has round dark eyes and short pointed
ears. Its legs are short but robust and it’s capable of running at speeds of 16 to 24 km/h over short
distances. Its feet have four sharp clawed toes, and as a master climber, it uses these claws not only to
climb but also to descend vertical tree trunks headfirst, a feat few animals attain. The soles of its feet
are bare and it has a highly developed sense of touch.

Raccoons are found living in or near forested areas, mountainous areas, coastal marshes and
built-up urban areas. They are never far from water or vertical structures, like trees or buildings. With
little means of defence against attack, they depend on these high structures to climb when danger
threatens. They are also very good swimmers and like to spend time in the water and to fish. Most live
in dens in dense undergrowth, hollow trees and rock crevices or abandoned beaver lodges or burrows
dug by other mammals. They are not territorial, and although some like the Cozumel raccoon are soli-
tary most are often seen in small male groups. Once established, the members of the group will chase
off any stranger trying to enter the group. Females also group together, usually sharing a common ar-
ea. At mating time Raccoons are very promiscuous, negating the need for any kind of mating ritual,
males and females happily copulate with one partner after another. However, they are clean animals
and will create and maintain common latrines. Raccoons do not hibernate. With the approach of win-
ter, those in the far north will build up a fatty reserve and enter a dormant state. They will remain like
this over the winter. However, they may awaken if they need water, but will always return to dorman-
cy once the need is satisfied. Those living in warmer climates will go temporarily into dormancy if
food is scarce. Although raccoons seem to communicate through chittering, growling, snarling and
hissing, only one sound, to date, can be attributed to a form of communication, and that is a sound
like a ‘chirping bird’ between a kit and its mother.

Although classified as carnivores, raccoons are, in fact, omnivores. Depending on its location
which will highlight some dietary differences, all will have a diet that will include a wide range of
small mammals, insects, eggs, birds and fish. They will also consume, allowing for seasonal differ-
ences, various kinds of plant material, seeds and fruits. Raccoons are nocturnal, but do venture out
during the day if food is scarce at night or the weather is very warm. They have also adapted well to
being around humans and have even moved into some urban areas taking advantage of the food and
garbage that man leaves lying around. Raccoons have a life expectancy of 16 years; however few ever
reach that age. They are ruthlessly hunted by man and are preyed on by coyotes, fishers, bobcats and
great horned owls, with the young raccoon, slow to respond to an attack, being the worst affected.