Mammals · Procyonids

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Least Concern

The raccoon is a medium-sized, highly intelligent mammal instantly recognized by its black facial mask and ringed tail. Native to North America and now established across parts of Europe and Japan, it is famous for its remarkably dexterous front paws and its ability to thrive nearly anywhere, from deep forest to dense city blocks.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Procyonidae

Genus: Procyon

Species: lotor

Related genera: Coatis, kinkajous, ringtails — all family Procyonidae

Size

16–28 in. body length, 8–16 in. tail.

Weight

8–20 lbs typically, though well-fed suburban raccoons can exceed 30 lbs.

Habitat

Extremely adaptable — forests, wetlands, farmland, suburbs and city centers across most of North America, with introduced populations in Europe and Japan.

Description

Grey-brown fur, a distinctive black "bandit" mask around the eyes, and a bushy tail ringed with 5–7 alternating dark bands.

Diet

Omnivore and opportunist — fruit, nuts, insects, fish, eggs, small animals and, especially in cities, human garbage.

Front paws

Extraordinarily dexterous, with five long, sensitive fingers that can open latches, jars, and doors — among the most dexterous paws of any non-primate mammal.

Dousing behavior

Frequently "washes" food in water before eating, though research suggests this wetting behavior may enhance the sense of touch in wet paws rather than actually clean the food.

Night vision

Excellent low-light vision paired with a reflective layer behind the retina (tapetum lucidum), well suited to its largely nocturnal lifestyle.

Gestation

About 63–65 days.

Birth & Litter Size

A litter of 2–5 kits, born blind, in a den in a hollow tree, chimney or attic; the mask and tail rings are visible from birth.

Sexually Mature

About 1 year.

Life Span

2–3 years average in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity.

Did You Know?

A raccoon's front paws have roughly four times as many touch-sensitive nerve endings as its hind feet, and nearly two-thirds of the brain area devoted to processing senses is dedicated to touch alone.

Did You Know?

Raccoons can remember the solution to a puzzle for up to three years, one of the longest problem-solving memory spans recorded in any mammal studied.

Did You Know?

The word "raccoon" comes from the Powhatan word aroughcun, roughly meaning "one who scratches with its hands" — a fitting name for an animal defined by its dexterous front paws.