Facts and Features of Racoon

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
class Mammalia
Order: Carnivores
Family: Raccoon
Genre: Procyon
Scientific name: Procyon Lotor
Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivorous
Size: 42-71 inches (16-28in)
Weight: 3.7-9kg (7.7-£ 19.8)
Maximum speed: 25 km / h (15 mph)
Life Period: 12-16 years
Lifestyle: Solitary
Preservation status: Least Concern
Color:White,Brown,Gray,Black
Skin type: Fur
Favorite food: Fish
Habitat: forest areas near water
Average Litter Size: 5
Main Prey: fish, nuts, berries, corn
Attackers: Bobcat, foxes, wolves, mountain lions
Distinctive Features: black mask on the face and agile hands and feet

The raccoon is a medium sized mammal like a bear found only in North America.As a drastic appearance of raccoons in other countries,it can be also found now in Japan and Europe continent.The average size in length of racoon is around 70 cm from the nose tip to the bottom of tail.A well grown raccoon can weight up to 10 kilos and live up to 20 years in environment.However, Raccoons tend to have a life period expectancy which is quite lower.

Formerly racoons were living in the dense wooded areas and large forests but now they are surviving in mountains and moist surfaces.The raccoon also has approached human communities that raccoons are able to find food very easily  but they are considered as pests by many domestic owners.

Raccoons are omnivorous animals that survive on  insects, plants and small animals such as fish and birds rarely.Raccoons are usually nocturnal, but it is not unusual to find during the day.

The most distinctive feature of the raccoon is the black mask is around eyes.The raccoon also has a thick layer of skin that keeps it warm during cold winters and raccoons are extremely sensitive and front paws of raccoons have been noticed turning door knobs and opening jars .

Raccoons are desperate for food and are often found near water. Raccoons were observed washing their food in water before eating !Although the reasons behind these are not well known ,it is believed that the sense of touch of paws is heightened when watered.

About ten different species of raccoon that vary in size ,but differ slightly in appearance ,found throughout the Americas.The sense of touch is the very necessary and its front paws are covered with a spiny coat to protect them when they aren't eating.

Raccoons tend to mate in between late winter to starting of spring ,from January to March.However, further south raccoon species have been known to mate after the mating season often goes to the end of  June.After a incubation period of about two months, the female will give birth to about 5 baby raccoons ,also known as kits or cubs.

Raccoon kits are born blind and deaf , with the two senses that appear in the first month.Cubs aren't born hairless, but have a layer of light-colored skin,with distinctive black mask to be visible from birth.Raccoon kits are usually about 10 cm long at birth and weigh about 75 g.

Foot Data of Racoon

• Raccoons have four feet with five toes on their front hind legs that give greater stability during running and climbing .
• The bottom of the feet of raccoons are bare and flat sole that makes the raccoon waddle rather than walk .
• The front legs are similar if the raccoon hands are like human being , both in appearance and ability to allow raccoons to hold things easily .
• The larger hind legs give more power during running and balance when the front feet in use.
• Raccoons have very nimble fingers on their front paws that allow them to untie knots, turn doorknobs and even open bottles.

Teeth Data of Racoon

1. Raccoons have 40 teeth including four long, sharp canine teeth in the front of the mouth.
2. Raccoons use their hand- like front paws to hold food before they use their teeth to chew and swallow.
3. The sharp canines in the front of mouth followed by premolars increase in size as they move into the mouth of Raccoon .
4. The premolars and molars are used to grind and chew their food until they are able to swallow.
5. Raccoons have an unique habit of washing their food when they are near water ,however ,raccoons do not exceed a tasty treat , if no water is available.