There are seven species of raccoons. The physical characteristics of, as seen in every raccoon, consist of a “bandit's mask” and a ringed tail. Raccoons have stiff long hair and a pointed snout. They also have long flexible fingers with sharp claws. Most raccoons have tails that are 10-15 inches long with 5-7 white rings. Raccoons are normally 30-38 inches in length and weigh between 12-25 pounds.
Raccoons live in North America; either on the ground or in trees. Some raccoons live alone or in small families. Raccoons all have a “home range”, which is the 200 acre area that a raccoon lives in. The adult male can roam 2 miles outside of his “home range.” Most raccoons use marshy areas for nests, which they use primarily during the day for they are nocturnal. Raccoons eat crabs, crawfish, frogs, turtles, and small, freshwater animals. They also consume eggs, acorns, birds, corn, fruit, nuts, mice, and grasshoppers.
The raccoon's natural enemies are owls, wild cats, wolves, coyotes, fisher cats, foxes, and alligators.
The degree of intelligence for a raccoon is equivalent to intelligence of a dog or a cat. They are smarter than most human beings.
Raccoons are one of the few animals that have benefited from humans. Raccoons have adapted incredibly well to cities and towns. They can tolerate different habitats and diets. In some cities raccoons can be 20 times more popular than in the most densely populated areas of the wild.
