Raccoon
(Scientific Name: Procyon
lotor)
Description:
The most distinguishable characteristics of the raccoon are its
black mask across the eyes and bushy tail with anywhere from four to
ten black rings. The forepaws resemble slender human hands and make
the raccoon unusually dexterous. Both their forepaws and hindpaws
have five toes. Coloration varies with habitat, but tends to range
from grey to reddish brown to buff. The raccoon's body is stocky and
generally weighs from six to seven kilograms; weight varies with
habitat and region as well. Males are usually heavier than females,
but the difference is often indistinguishable. Raccoons' body length
ranges from 60 to 105cm. Their tails comprise about 42% to 52% of
their length.
Habitat: Raccoons are extremely adaptable and
continue to thrive despite the encroachment of civilization on their
range. Woodlands near water are their preferred habitat, although
raccoons may also be found in farmlands, suburban or urban areas. 
Raccoons
prefer to den in trees, however, they may also use woodchuck
burrows, caves, mine shafts, deserted buildings, barns, garages,
rain sewers, or houses. Living in a burrow actually increases the
raccoon's chances of survival by making it harder for its predators
to find it. Hunting dogs have an easier time treeing a raccoon than
forcing it out of a burrow.
