Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Other Names: Raccoon, North American Raccoon
Distribution: Statewide; from So. Canada, down throughout the US
(except for parts of the Rockies, Utah, and Nevada), and southward
into Panama
Coloration: Grayish-brown with a characteristic black mask across the
eyes and bushy tail with anywhere from four to ten black rings
Average Size: Length ranges from 23-41 in; the tail makes up about
42% to 52% of their overall length
Average Weight: 12 to 35 lbs
Gestation Period: Approximately 63 days
Number of Babies: 3-7
Habitat: Prefers wooded areas especially near water; commonly found
in brush patches in the prairie pothole country long distances from
any densely wooded area; its den is usually in a hollow tree in
wooded areas
Feeding Habits: Raccoons are omnivorous, eating almost anything,
and are chiefly nocturnal; a partial list of foods would include frogs,
fish, small animals, crayfish, birds, insects, corn, nuts, fruit,
berries, eggs, and poultry; in winter, raccoons will spend weeks in
their dens without eating
Factoids: Raccoons do not hibernate; the name raccoon is derived
from the Algonquin Indians and translates to "he scratches with his
hands"; there are seven species and 25 subspecies of raccoons in
North America; raccoons are thought to have over two hundred
different sounds used for communication
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