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Mammal. Mostly solitary, raccoons forage at night and sleep in their dens during the day. Their excellent night vision and hearing make them especially alert. Using sensitive, five-fingered forepaws, raccoons easily manipulate and open things. They are strong, though reluctant, swimmers and good climbers not afraid of dropping from a height of 12 meters (40 ft). Adults measure 46-66 cm (18-26 in) in length, plus a striped tail that's 23-35 cm (9-14 in) long. Females are usually smaller than males. When first born both their ears and eyes are closed, taking 18 to 24 days to open. After 4 to 6 weeks they can walk.
Scientific Name Lifespan
Procyon lotor 5 to 6 years in the wild
Omnivore. They eat almost anything that's edible including fruit, acorns, nuts, corn and other grains, crayfish and other water animals, frogs, birds and bird eggs, small mammals, and even garbage.
Predators and Threats
Many raccoons are hit by cars. Predators include foxes, owls, bobcats and coyotes.
They prefer wetland areas near streams, marshes, lakes, swamps, and rivers. Highly adaptable, they can also be found in urban and suburban areas. Raccoons range from Canada into northern South America.