Raccoon Everything

The Name Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) Where Did Raccoons Get Their Name From?

Raccoons have hands so similar to humans that they earned their name from it! The word “raccoon” originates from the Powhatan term for “one who scratches with its hands,” highlighting just how talented these small mammals are when using them. Indeed, raccoon paws may be some of the most dexterous appendages in nature – certainly worth a closer look!

The scientific name for the raccoon, Procyon Lotor, comes from two Latin words: Procyon, which means “before the dog,” and Lotor, which means “washer.” The name refers to the raccoon’s close resemblance to dogs and its behaviours of washing or cleaning itself. Although we still don’t fully understand the meaning behind this name, it is thought to be a reference to the raccoon’s status as an early success story of evolutionary biology.

5 Cool Facts About The Amazing Raccoon

1. Raccoons have a fantastic sense of touch, thanks to their long, sensitive fingers and claws that help them find food, build dens, and groom themselves. They are also excellent climbers with strong hind legs, sharp claws, and a prehensile tail that acts like a fifth hand. They can even turn their footpads backwards when they climb trees or fences to get extra grip.

2. Racoons wash their food – Raccoons are known for ‘washing’ their food before eating it. Observing this behaviour is entertaining and critical to the raccoon’s survival in the wild. It has been theorized that by washing their food, raccoons can ensure that they don’t ingest any toxins and impurities that may have come from contaminated water or soil, helping them to stay healthy. In addition, washers are thought to be able to identify the smell and texture of the different parts of their meal, such as shells, bones, and other inedible materials that could potentially choke or harm them if swallowed. Working in tandem with their well-developed sense of touch, washers can use both tactile and olfactory senses, which helps them avoid consuming harmful items while still enjoying a meal. Furthermore, it is speculated that washing food may help raccoons extract more nutrients from the food they consume by breaking down certain parts into smaller digestible pieces before eating. The act of washing food also serves an essential social purpose; when multiple raccoons wash together, they often establish a hierarchy within a group due to each individual’s particular approach and techniques used when washing their food. Additionally, this behaviour can create an opportunity for learning between siblings or other members of a family unit, as young raccoons mimic adults to learn how to wash food too correctly. All in all, ‘washing’ seems like more than just a cleaning ritual – it’s essential to being a successful washer!

3. Raccoons have thick fur that insulates them from cold temperatures in wintertime and changes colour depending on the season–it’s grey in summer but turns darker in winter! Their fur also has bands of black around their eyes which helps them see at night when they are most active.

4. A raccoon’s diet consists mainly of fruits, nuts, insects, frogs, birds, eggs and small mammals such as mice—but it will eat almost anything it can find! They are resourceful animals who use tools to help them obtain food by tipping over rocks or prying open clams with their hands or paws.

5. It may come as a surprise, but raccoons are quite intelligent animals; studies have shown that they can recognize shapes and patterns and remember solutions to puzzles even after weeks apart! They also communicate through facial expressions and vocal behaviours like growls or chirps; from these, we can infer that there is much more going on inside those furry heads than we think!

Unravelling the Mysteries of Raccoon Behavior.

Raccoons are a fascinating species, and there is so much that we still don’t understand about their behaviour. One of the great mysteries surrounding these animals is how they survive in urban areas without getting into trouble with humans or other wildlife species. Every time you turn on the news, another story is breaking about a raccoon outbreak in a city, but these wild animals somehow manage to stay out of the spotlight. One possible explanation is that raccoons are far more intelligent than we realize and have learned to use their environment to avoid conflict. However, until scientists can unravel the mysteries of raccoon behaviour, this will remain one of the extraordinary unexplained phenomena of the animal world.

Overall, raccoons are truly fascinating animals that continue to surprise and amaze us with their complex social dynamics and problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re a wildlife biologist or an everyday citizen, there’s always something new to learn about these remarkable creatures!

Home Collisions with Raccoons

One of the biggest threats facing raccoons in urban areas is home collisions. Every year, there are thousands of reports of accidents involving raccoons and human residences. These incidents often occur when a raccoon falls into an attic or chimney and cannot escape safely. In many cases, these animals will die from suffocation, but in some cases, they can be rescued by humans.

One of the best ways to prevent this type of accident is to make sure that your home is well-maintained and free from any holes or entry points that could allow raccoons inside. Suppose you notice a raccoon in your attic or chimney. In that case, it’s essential to contact a local wildlife rescue center immediately so they can safely remove the animal before it causes any harm.

Overall, home collisions with raccoons are a severe problem in many urban areas and need to be addressed through better prevention and education efforts. By working together, we can help to keep these animals safe and ensure that they continue to thrive in our communities for generations to come.

Unique Adaptations of Urban Raccoons

One of the most incredible things about raccoons is their ability to adapt to almost any environment, and this quality is particularly evident in urban areas. These animals find adequate food sources and shelter in even the most densely populated cities and have developed fascinating physical adaptations that help them cope with life among humans. For example, many raccoons have learned to find food in garbage cans or dumpsters, allowing them to thrive even in the most urban and developed areas.

Another fascinating adaptation that some raccoons have developed is their enhanced sense of touch. Due to the proximity of humans and other city buildings, these animals need to rely on their tactile senses much more than they would in a natural environment. As a result, they have become far more sensitive to texture and vibration, allowing them to navigate through cramped spaces or find food even in the darkest corners of an alleyway.

Overall, it’s clear that raccoons are truly remarkable animals with some incredible abilities. The next time you see a raccoon in your backyard or on the street, take a moment to marvel at the unique adaptations that make their urban life possible. And remember, whether you’re a wildlife biologist or an everyday citizen, there’s always something new to learn about these remarkable creatures!

What Makes Raccoons Such Successful Urban Animals?

Many factors contribute to the success of raccoons as urban animals, but perhaps the most important one is their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. These animals have a fantastic capacity for adaptability and can quickly learn to overcome obstacles even in the most densely populated cities. For example, raccoons are known for their ability to open up even the most securely locked garbage cans, using nothing more than their paws and some simple ingenuity.

Raccoon Urban Myths

Another factor that helps to make the raccoons successful in cities is their reputation. Raccoons have a long history of being vilified and feared, making them more determined to succeed in urban areas. In some cases, these animals will even change their natural habits and behaviours to avoid contact with humans or find new areas to live in. For example, some raccoons will avoid scavenging for food in dumpsters or garbage cans if this is likely to attract human attention.

Aren’t Raccoons Nocturnal? – Reasons Why You See Raccoons Out In The Day

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. This is due to their physical traits and the dangers of spending time in the daytime environment. During the day, raccoons have relatively poor eyesight, which means they cannot see far enough away to spot potential threats. At night, their vision is supplemented by highly sensitive hearing and touch, which helps them better detect predators or prey. Being nocturnal also helps raccoons take advantage of food sources like insects that sleep during the day and come out at night. Thus, raccoons are less likely to compete with other wild animals for these food sources if they hunt during the night. Despite this, it is still possible to see raccoons during the day, mainly if there is an abundance of food available, like in urban areas where trash cans may contain easily accessible meals.

Raccoons are also curious creatures, so they occasionally venture out during daylight hours to explore their environment. Raccoon trappers that trap and relocate wild animals for their customers release the raccoon in a different part of town, usually in the daytime, leaving them in unfamiliar territory searching for somewhere to hide. Whether we see them or not, raccoons have adapted to life as primarily nocturnal animals thanks to a combination of physical traits and external factors that make it more beneficial for them to stay active at night.

Where Do Raccoons Sleep and Find Shelter?

Raccoons are very resourceful animals that can find shelter and places to sleep in various habitats. They favour dens in wooded areas and can often be found living in hollow trees, under stumps or logs, beneath decks or porches, or even up in attics of homes. They can also reside in rock crevices, abandoned buildings, brush piles, haystacks, storage sheds, chicken coops and barns, and suitable man-made structures. Raccoons sometimes build their own dens if they need a temporary sheltering spot, digging out underground burrows with their powerful front claws. Many urban raccoons will sneak into open garages and work sheds for the night when temperatures dip too low for comfort. Their natural agility makes it easy for them to climb over fences and onto rooftops if necessary to seek safe refuge from extreme weather conditions or predatory threats. Additionally, raccoons are known to inhabit storm drains and sewer systems; usually during colder months when these spaces provide warmth and needed protection from predators such as foxes and coyotes. While they may typically only use such locations temporarily on their quest for food sources like insects or fish found there, some raccoons have been known to permanently inhabit these areas due to the safety provided by the tight confines and limited access points.

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

Raccoons do not hibernate in the strictest sense of the word, but they go into a deep sleep for a few weeks during the coldest parts of winter and occasionally wake up to eat or drink. However, they do enter a state of reduced activity that lasts for several weeks. In this state, their heart rate slows, and their body temperature drops. This lowered metabolic state allows them to conserve energy and body fat during winter when food is scarce.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are omnivorous animals, meaning they feed on various food sources. In the wild, they typically look for food around bodies of water and in wooded areas, where they can find a variety of plant and animal prey.

Some of their natural food sources include berries, bird eggs, and aquatic prey. They will also forage for grubs, insects, and other small invertebrates in the soil and leaf litter. Additionally, raccoons are known to scavenge for carrion, or other animal remains they can find while exploring their natural habitat.

In addition to these more traditional food sources, raccoons are also known to eat human garbage and other types of human foods. This can be a major problem in cities and suburban areas, where there is easy access to discarded waste from homes and businesses. However, by taking simple steps such as securing trash cans or removing food sources, humans can help to reduce the potential for conflict with raccoons in their communities.

Raccoon Behaviour Secrets

One of the fascinating things about raccoons is their complex social behaviours, which can vary greatly from one species to another. For example, some raccoons live in small family groups composed only of a mother and her offspring. At the same time, other types are known for forming much larger alliances with dozens or even hundreds of animals.

Raccoon Populations Worldwide

What Cities Experience The Highest Population Densities Of These Animals?

The North American raccoon is familiar to most people but is also found worldwide, with exceptionally high populations in many urban areas. These creatures thrive in cities because of the abundant food sources, shelter, and other resources they can find among human populations. In some cities, such as Toronto or Chicago, raccoon populations can be extremely dense, and these animals are often seen roaming the streets or foraging in trash cans.

Despite their prevalence in urban areas, raccoon populations can fluctuate significantly over time depending on several factors. For example, severe weather events or changes in food availability can cause significant population declines, while warmer temperatures and more stable resources can lead to increased raccoon numbers.

Overall, the continued growth of urban areas will likely result in increased raccoon populations worldwide. These animals will continue to be one of the most common city wildlife species for years.

Guadeloupe Raccoons – The Island Raccoon

The Guadeloupe Raccoon, also known as the Minorcan Raccoon, is a critically endangered species of raccoon native to the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. It is the only extant species in the genus Procyon and is believed to be descended from ancestors that migrated to the region from Central America. The species was first discovered in 1750 by French naturalist Jean-Baptiste de Monet de Lamarck and was initially classified as a subspecies of the common raccoon. However, it was later reclassified as a distinct species due to its unique physical characteristics and behaviour.

Adult Guadeloupe Raccoons typically reach three feet long and weigh up to eight pounds. They have short legs, round ears, long tails, and thick black fur with white patches around their eyes, chests, or bellies. Their diet consists primarily of small insects, fruits, nuts and eggs, although they will occasionally supplement their food sources with carrion or invertebrates such as crabs or crayfish. They are highly social animals and live in large family groups that occupy home ranges which may cover several acres of land. All members of the group help participate in activities such as foraging for food or caring for pups.

In recent years, habitat destruction has caused a significant decrease in population numbers, leading to increased conservation efforts to preserve this species from extinction. As part of these efforts, captive breeding programs have been established alongside extensive research into potential reintroduction sites within Guadeloupe’s protected areas network. There has also been increased emphasis on public awareness campaigns within local communities about the importance of protecting these animals for future generations.

Young Raccoons From Conception To Surviving On Their Own

What’s The Life Expectancy Of A Raccoon?

When a raccoon is ready to start a family, it will typically mate during the spring and summer breeding seasons. The gestation period for raccoons is about 65 days, after which the mother will give birth to a litter of 2-5 young. These raccoon babies, known as kits, are born blind and entirely dependent on their mothers for survival.

For the first few weeks of their lives, kits will remain in the nest while their mother hunts for food and provides care. As they grow and become more mobile, they will spend more time outside the nest and explore their surroundings. Eventually, they will reach an age where they can leave the nest completely and start living independently.

At this point, young raccoons are fully independent and capable of surviving in the wild. They may remain in their birth territory for some time, but eventually, they will disperse to find a new area to call home.

Overall, the life cycle of a young raccoon is characterized by constant growth and change. From conception to maturity, these wild animals must constantly adapt to their environment to survive.

Life Expectancy – Raccoons have a reasonably long life expectancy. On average, they live between two and three years in the wild, but some raccoons have been reported to live up to nine years. Captive raccoons have lifespans significantly longer; one raccoon was reported to have lived for over twenty years! The oldest known wild raccoon was a female who was eleven years old. The longevity of raccoons is large because they are highly adaptable animals who are capable of thriving in different habitats. They possess an innate intelligence which allows them to find food easily, even in urban environments like cities and suburbs. Raccoons also benefit from having few natural predators and can usually escape danger when necessary with their strong swimming abilities and agility. When living in captivity, their lives can be extended by providing them with proper nutrition and care, including regular check-ups by a veterinarian. With the right environment and diet, a healthy pet raccoon can live for many years beyond what would be expected in the wild, giving them time to form strong bonds with humans or other pet companions.

Common Raccoon Problems

The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a notoriously troublesome species, often causing problems for people and wildlife. One of the main issues associated with these animals is their habit of raiding open garbage bins and other human food sources, which can be just a nuisance and has earned them the familiar nickname “Trash Panda.” Raccoons can also be aggressive when defending their territory or protecting their young, leading to dangerous encounters with humans. Additionally, they have known carriers of several diseases, and raccoon roundworm is a parasite in their feces that can be transmitted to people and other animals.

Rabies can infect raccoons and is a real problem, yet few and far between, so a rabid raccoon would be rare to encounter but would be a dangerous situation to be in nonetheless.

Another raccoon problem in cities is housing, and with a limited selection of hollow trees to live in, raccoons seek shelter inside attics and chimneys. A raccoon home invasion is a nuisance for homeowners that must be addressed immediately. Still, raccoon removal is not cheap when done correctly, and the extra expense can be a problem.

Because of these issues, many communities have implemented strategies to manage raccoon populations and reduce human conflicts. Efforts may include trapping or culling raccoons and educating the public about how to prevent contact with these wild animals. Despite these efforts, raccoons will likely continue to be a common problem in many urban and suburban areas for years to come.

Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis Infection)

Is Raccoon Poop Dangerous?

Raccoon feces can contain parasites that can be harmful to humans. It is essential to clean up a raccoon latrine and adequately dispose of the waste. Wear gloves when cleaning up raccoon feces and avoid contact with your eyes and mouth. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the waste.

People can unwittingly contract a raccoon roundworm infection through seemingly innocuous activities. This includes consuming microscopic eggs, either accidentally ingested from contaminated hands or soil or inhaled when dry and dispersed as airborne particles.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can harm humans through contact with infected urine or contaminated soil and water. Wild critters, such as raccoons, skunks, opossums, and rats, can carry this bacteria in their systems. To avoid getting sick, it’s best to keep your distance unless necessary for safety reasons like removing them from inside buildings; then call a professional help!

Canine Distemper In Raccoon

Canine distemper is a severe and potentially fatal disease that affects raccoons of all ages. This condition is caused by a virus that can be transmitted in several ways, including through direct contact with an infected animal or exposure to saliva, feces, or urine.

Symptoms of canine distemper in raccoons include fever, loss of appetite, coughing and respiratory distress, tremors or seizures, and neurological issues such as confusion and hallucinations. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

There is no specific treatment for canine distemper in raccoons, though some methods may help reduce its symptoms or duration. These include supportive care and management of secondary infections, as well as reducing stress on the animal by limiting human contact and providing adequate shelter and food.

Despite these efforts, canine distemper in raccoons is a severe threat that requires ongoing monitoring and management to prevent further outbreaks in affected communities. Efforts may include vaccinations and habitat management techniques to reduce exposure to the disease and monitor for any signs of infection. With ongoing research and careful prevention measures, we can help to protect raccoon populations from the impacts of canine distemper.

If you see a raccoon with distemper on your property, the assistance of a raccoon removal company may be able to help.

Raccoon Rabies Virus

What Does A Rabid Raccoon Look Like?

Rabies is a deadly virus known to infect raccoons and can cause severe illness or death in people and other animals. The rabies virus is spread through an infected animal’s saliva and nervous system tissue. Raccoons are the primary carriers of the virus, but they can also be found in other wild animals like skunks, bats, and foxes. Rabies is a preventable disease, but it is fatal in 100% of cases. Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, confusion, and agitation. Anyone thinking they may have been exposed to rabies by rabid raccoons must seek medical attention immediately.

Appearance – Rabies kill several thousand raccoons annually; if one dies on your property, you may need to hire a dead raccoon removal service. A rabid raccoon may appear lethargic, disoriented, and weak. It may also have difficulty walking or climbing. As the disease progresses, it can become aggressive and bite other animals or humans. The animal’s eyes may appear to be glassy, and its pupils dilated. It may also have seizures, mouth foam, and unusual noises. In the advanced stages of rabies infection, a raccoon will often lose its appetite and become more isolated from other animals. Its movements may be clumsy and uncoordinated, as if it was suffering from muscle weakness. Any interaction between a person and a raccoon displaying such signs should be avoided since their saliva may contain the virus, which can be transmitted through licking or biting. Even if the animal appears not to be rabid, it is essential to remember that many symptoms associated with rabies in animals are difficult to diagnose without laboratory testing. So a rabid raccoon should always be handled with caution since there is no known cure for rabies infection once it has taken hold in an animal’s body.

Raccoon Deterrents

What Raccoon Repellent Works Best?

Raccoon deterrents are essential to keep these curious and mischievous critters out of your yard and away from your home. There are various methods to deter them, including physical barriers, sound-based scare tactics, chemical repellents, and animal harassment. Physical barriers are the most effective approach as they physically block raccoons from entering an area; you can use fences, walls or other structures that raccoons won’t be able to climb over or through. Sound-based tactics involve loud noises such as music or noise makers that scare off the raccoons; however, this is only a short-term solution since raccoons will eventually become accustomed to the noise. Chemical repellents like coyote urine can be used around the perimeter of an area to deter raccoons; however, these should be used sparingly because they can damage plants and may harm other animals in the area. Animal harassment involves introducing other animals into the space, like cats or dogs, which makes the raccoons feel unsafe and unwelcome; this is also temporary since cats and dogs need to remain present for it to have any natural effect. These deterrents can help protect your property from damage caused by pesky raccoons. Still, it’s important to remember that no single method is perfect. Sometimes, a combination of doing what you can yourself plus hiring an Affordable and experienced wildlife control company to secure hard-to-reach problems areas and do any roof repairs may be necessary for maximum effectiveness.

10 Raccoon Repellent Plants

• Mint: Mint plants, such as spearmint or peppermint, have a strong scent that raccoons dislike. Planting mint around your garden can help deter raccoons due to the powerful aroma emitted by the leaves.

• Marigolds: Marigolds are bright and colourful flowers that not only enhance the aesthetics of your garden but also repel raccoons. The pungent odour produced by marigolds acts as a natural deterrent for these critters.

• Alliums: Plants in the allium family, such as onions, garlic, and chives, have a strong scent that raccoons find unpleasant. Growing alliums in your garden can help keep raccoons away due to their strong aroma.

• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus trees or shrubs release an aroma that raccoons dislike. Planting eucalyptus in your garden can discourage raccoons from entering the area due to the scent emitted by the leaves.

• Geranium: Geraniums are flowering plants that have a strong scent which raccoons find unpleasant. Their fragrance acts as a natural repellent, making geraniums an effective option to deter raccoons from your garden.

• Rosemary: Rosemary is an aromatic herb that raccoons tend to avoid due to its strong scent. Planting rosemary in your garden can help deter raccoons, while also providing you with a useful culinary herb.

• Lavender: Lavender plants produce a pleasant aroma for humans but act as a deterrent for raccoons. The strong scent of lavender can help repel raccoons and keep them away from your garden.

• Daffodils: Daffodils are beautiful flowers that raccoons tend to avoid. The toxins present in daffodils make them unappealing to raccoons, making them an effective option for deterring these creatures.

• Cucumber: Cucumber plants can serve as a natural raccoon repellent. The bitterness of cucumber leaves and the sharp prickles on their stems act as a deterrent, discouraging raccoons from approaching your garden.

• Fennel: Fennel is a perennial herb with a licorice-like fragrance that raccoons dislike. Planting fennel in your garden can help repel raccoons due to its strong scent.

• Rose Bush: Rose Bush clippings are thorny and can be effective at keeping raccoons off of certain areas. Statregicly placed rose bush clippings can help reroute raccoons and will deter them from sleeping in window wells and other target areas.

It’s important to note that while these plants may help deter raccoons, they might not guarantee complete exclusion. Combining these natural deterrents with other preventive measures, such as securing trash cans, eliminating potential food sources, and creating physical barriers can help create a more effective raccoon control strategy.

Does The Black Mask Serve A Purpose For Raccoons?

The black mask is one of the raccoon’s most distinctive and recognizable features, serving several purposes for these animals. The dark fur around their eyes helps to shield them from glare or brightness, which can be especially useful when they are foraging at night or in low-light conditions.

In addition to their visual adaptations, the raccoon’s mask plays a role in raccoon communication. When threatened or displaying dominance, these animals will raise the hair around their face to make the mask appear larger and more prominent. This displays aggression and can help to scare away potential competitors or predators.

The black mask is also believed to play a role in social and mating behaviours. Studies have shown that male raccoons with darker masks are generally more attractive to females and have higher reproductive success than lighter or less distinct markings.

The distinct raccoon mask is just one of many fascinating adaptations that help it thrive in its natural environments.

A Few Ways Raccoon’s Bushy Tail Helps Them Survive

The bushy tail of the raccoon is one of its most prominent and recognizable features, and it serves many vital functions for these animals. The thick fur on the tail helps to keep raccoons warm in colder weather, making it an essential part of their winter survival strategy.

In addition to its role in temperature regulation, the bushy tail helps provide raccoons with balance and stability. It is a counterbalance when climbing trees or walking along narrow surfaces, helping them maintain their footing even in windy or slippery conditions.

The bushy tail is also crucial to raccoon communication and social behaviour. Raccoons often express dominance or aggression by turning their backs to other animals, and the size of their tail indicates how dominant they are relative to others.

Overall, the bushy tail is an integral part of the raccoon’s anatomy that plays many critical roles in its survival and thriving in its natural environment.

How Are Raccoons, Such Excellent Climbers?

Raccoons are excellent climbers due to their opposable solid thumbs and dexterous fingers. With these specialized features, they can grip branches and tree trunks tightly as they move through the trees, allowing them to navigate even complex and uneven terrain easily.

In addition to their powerful limbs, raccoons have an excellent vision that allows them to judge distances and spot potential hazards or prey accurately. Their large, sensitive ears also help them to detect even the slightest sounds or vibrations in their environment, giving them an edge when navigating through the trees.

All of these adaptations make raccoons well-suited for life in the treetops. Whether foraging for food or looking for a safe place to rest, these animals can move quickly and easily through their environment. With careful adaptations like these, raccoons have been able to thrive in their natural habitats for generations.

Raccoon Tracks – What Do Raccoon Pawprints Look Like?

Raccoon tracks are an easy way to identify the presence of a raccoon in the area. Raccoon pawprints have a distinctive shape, with five toes on each foot. The front feet are slightly larger than the hind feet, which are more oval-shaped than the front feet. The front paws typically measure between two and three inches across, while the back feet measure up to three inches across. Additionally, there will be a heel pad at the back of each track that is very deep and can be used for identification purposes. Raccoons also have long, sharp claws that can be seen in their tracks, making them easier to identify from other similar wild animals or creatures. When observed in detail, raccoon tracks have four distinct lobes on the heel pad and curved toes that point outwards towards the sides. If you look closely enough, you might even catch a glimpse of fur or other debris from their fur caught in their footsteps!

Albino Raccoons

Albino raccoons are an exciting sight. They are scarce and easy to spot because of their colouring. Albino raccoons can be found in parts of Canada and the United States, but they are not common. Most albino raccoons have a pinkish hue to their fur, but some can be completely white. Albino raccoons are generally smaller than their black-furred counterparts and have a patch of white hair on their heads.

Now that you know more about raccoons, what will you do with this information? Will you be more careful when leaving food out at night? Or maybe you’ll think twice before getting too close to one of these masked banditos. Either way, we hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about these fascinating creatures.