Raccoon Facts
Raccoon Facts
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Raccoons are smaller relatives of bears. They are native to South and North America, but they can be found in Asia and Europe also. Raccoons live in wooded areas close to water, but they can be often found near urban areas. There are 7 different species of raccoons. Pygmy raccoon is the only endangered species.
| Interesting Raccoon Facts: |
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| Raccoons usually reach 2,5 feet in length and weigh between 12-16 pounds. Raccoons that live in colder climates are larger and heavier. |
| They have grayish fur, black mask around eyes and long tail covered with black and brown bands. Because of their tail, they are nicknamed "ringtail". |
| Raccoon's hand looks like human's. They have five fingers and use their hands to collect food, open shells, door or trash cans… |
| They are omnivores (eat plants and animals) and like to eat insects, eggs, small mammals, fruit, berries, seed, garbage... |
| Raccoons often place food in water before they start to eat it. They have highly sensitive sense of touch and water increases sensitivity even more. By touching the food they get better insight about things they will eat. |
| They are easily adaptable to various environments. They can live in hollow tree equally happy like they can in abandoned cars. |
| Raccoons are solitary (live on their own) and nocturnal creatures (they hunt at night). |
| They don't hibernate, but they spend coldest days of winters in their burrows. |
| Raccoons produce various sounds. They can hiss, purr, whistle, growl… |
| They are excellent swimmers and climbers. |
| Raccoons can transmit rabies to domestic animals and people. Their feces often contain roundworms. |
| Group of raccoons is called nursery or gaze. |
| Mating season takes place from January to mid March. Two months later, female will give birth to 3-4 babies. Their tails don't have bands, and mask around eyes is still missing. |
| Mother is very protective and she will teach them how to survive and what to eat as soon they become ready to leave the burrow. |
| Average life span in the wild is 5 years, while they can live up to 20 years in captivity. |
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