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Raccoon | |
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California raccoon (P. l. psora), Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in California | |
Conservation status | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Order: | Carnivora |
Family: | Procyonidae |
Genus: | Procyon |
Species: | P. lotor |
Binomial name | |
Procyon lotor | |
Native range in red, introduced range in blue | |
Synonyms | |
Ursus lotor Linnaeus, 1758 |
The raccoon (Procyon lotor, common raccoon,) is a mammal. Raccoons are curious, clever, and solitary. They are originally from North America. They have spread through Central America, and live in various habitats. They have escaped in some parts of Eurasia (see map), and now live there as well. Raccoons are in the family Caniformia, and are related to the mustelids.
The raccoon has short legs, a pointed nose, small ears, grayish-brown fur, and a bushy tail.
The raccoon's most distinctive features are its multi-purpose front paws, its facial 'mask', and its striped tail. Moreover, raccoons are noted for their intelligence. Studies show they are able to remember the solution to tasks for up to three years. Raccoons are usually nocturnal. Their food is about 40% invertebrates, 33% plant foods, and 27% vertebrates. Raccoons are omnivores. They feed on mice, squirrels, rabbits, birds, fish, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, eggs, insects, worms, fruit, and nuts. Their predators are red foxes, wolves, coyotes, bears, eagles, hawks, owls, cougars, and lynxes.