Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)

Raccoons are mid-sized animals. They eat just about anything, from eggs to fruit, meat, insects, amphibians, vegetation, pet food and garbage. The raccoon's name reflects the belief that raccoons washed everything before they ate it, but it is now believed that water enhances the sense of touch for these animals. Raccoons live in diverse habitats near water and are very comfortable living near humans. They both climb and swim well and are often found in wooded areas. Like bears, they get fat in the fall but they do not den up and need food throughout the winter. Like bears and humans, they walk flat on their feet. They are usually nocturnal and solitary or found in smaller family groups. They have a distinctive "bandit" mask, gray body, short, round, furry ears and bushy, black-striped tail.

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