Raccoon

Class: Mammals

Order: Carnivores

Family: Procyonidae

Weight: 5-9 kg

Height: 30-35 cm

Body length: 65-80 cm

Color: Most individuals have gray-yellow shades, with the back and sides generally darker. The tail has several alternating light and dark bands, creating a distinctive pattern. The raccoon is known for its characteristic “mask,” which consists of two relatively symmetrical spots around the eyes, distinguishing it from other animals.

Age of sexual maturity: females reach sexual maturity at 1 year, males at 2 years

Gestation Period: about 63 days

Lifespan: up to 6 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity

Habitat: the natural range of the raccoon extends from the Isthmus of Panama to the southern provinces of Canada in North America.

Diet: although raccoons are carnivores and enjoy eating rabbits, snails, and squirrels, their diet also includes numerous berries, cherries, gooseberries, grapes, vegetables, grains, and much more.

Did You Know?

• Raccoons have a very high IQ for mammals—higher than cats and just slightly lower than monkeys. They can open containers by lifting lids with their paws. Studies even show that raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for up to three years.
• Raccoons can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h, even when climbing trees.