Raccoon

Procyon lotor

The raccoon, scientifically known as Procyon lotor, is a highly adaptable mammal native to North America. Characterized by its distinctive black "mask" of fur around its eyes and bushy, ringed tail, the raccoon is about the size of a small dog, typically weighing between 8 to 20 pounds. Their fur is usually a coarse gray-brown color, providing camouflage in their forest habitats. Raccoons are known for their dexterous front paws and intelligence, often seen manipulating objects and exploring environments with curiosity. They are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, and, occasionally, human food leftovers, which they adeptly scavenge from urban environments.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, with keen senses of hearing and vision that aid them in nighttime foraging. They have adapted remarkably well to urban settings, frequently inhabiting parks, suburbs, and cities where they are famous for their resourcefulness in accessing food and shelter. Despite being solitary hunters, raccoons are social animals, often seen establishing temporary groups, notably during mating seasons or in shared dens during colder months. Known for their curious and occasionally mischievous nature, raccoons play an essential role in the ecosystem as both predator and prey, contributing to the control of pest populations and the distribution of plant seeds.