Common Raccoon

The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), also known as the Northern Raccoon, is the most common type of raccoon in North America. The species is often referred to as simply the Raccoon (or Coon), although it is only the most prevalent of a half-dozen species of raccoons.

Related Topics:
Raccoon - North America

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Adult weights vary with habitat but an average is about 5.5 to 9.5 kg (12 to 21 pounds), the largest recorded being over 28 kg (61 pounds) http://www.nature.ca/notebooks/english/racoon.htm. They have black facial colorings around the eyes, and have a bushy tail with light and dark alternating rings. The coat is a mixture of gray, brown, and black fur. On rare occasions, raccoons may be albino. The characteristic eye colorings make the animal look like it is wearing a "bandit's mask."

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Mating usually occurs in January or February and a litter of four or five young are born in April or May (varies by climate). Raccoons usually live in hollow trees, ground burrows, or caves. Males have no part in raising the young. By late summer, the litter will be weaned and will begin to fend for themselves. In severe winter climates, raccoons may become dormant but do not hibernate. Raccoons have been known to live up to 12 years in the wild, but most live for only a few years.

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At one time, raccoons were aggressively trapped for their fur. People such as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett are well known for wearing coonskin hats. Populations suffered greatly but have recovered.

Related Topics:
Daniel Boone - Davy Crockett

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