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Range and Habitat: From Canada to northern South America. They prefer woodland, but will live anywhere and have adapted well to areas occupied by humans. They require ready access to water.
Habitat and Distribution: Raccoons are nocturnal, with excellent night vision and acute hearing. They are agile climbers and swimmers, although they do not have waterproof fur. They are generally solitary, although they will den together in the winter. They do not hibernate, but become inactive in the winter, living off their fat stores. They are extremely adaptable and can live in many habitats. They are seldom seen in the wild, but their distinctive foot prints may be seen in the mud along streams. The front foot prints resemble a small human hand. They make many sounds. Snarls, growls, hisses and screams are common. Soft purring sounds and chuckles are heard between mothers and babies.
Diet: Omnivores, they are opportunistic eaters. Food varies according to the season and consists of plants, fruit, nuts, invertebrates, insects, rodents, frogs, fish and bird eggs. Two favorite foods are corn and crayfish. They are also adept at raiding trash cans and picnic tables. Raccoons have been observed “washing” their food before eating. Because of their fondness for corn, they can be destructive to cornfields, and thus a nuisance to farmers. The fall diet is extremely important for raccoons living in the north because they must accumulate fat reserves to sustain them during winter denning. The raccoon builds up fat over its entire body, even around the tail bone.
Breeding and Maturation: Breeding season is from January to March in most of its range with births in May after a 63 – 65 day gestation. Litters range from 3 to 6 young with an average of 4. The young are born without teeth and with eyes closed. The eyes open at about two weeks of age, and teeth erupt at about 19 days. They remain in the maternity den for about 8 weeks, then leave to hunt with their mother. The adult male plays no role in raising young. The young will remain with their mother throughout the first winter, dispersing in the spring. Average life span in the wild is estimated at 5 years and up to 12 years in captivity. There is a high mortality rate in the first year of life.
Miscellaneous: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are common and widespread. Raccoon populations are thriving in most areas and appear secure.
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