Gerald and Buff Corsi © 2001 California Academy of Sciences

Raccoons are curious and clever.
They live in a wide variety of habitats.
Most raccoons live in the wild, but they are not afraid to live near humans.
They may live in empty buildings, garages and sheds.

I wonder if it is safe to come out.

Raccoons are most active at night.
They do not hibernate in the winter.
They grow thick coats of fur and spend alot of time sleeping when it is cold.

I just want to be left alone!

photo - Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Raccoons have been hunted and trapped for their fur.
They have been killed because they damage crops and kill poultry
(chickens, ducks, etc.)

The young are born in a nest of leaves made in a hollow tree or log.
They are blind for the first three weeks.
The mother teaches them to hunt and to climb trees to escape from enemies.
Their front toes are long and spaced far apart.
This helps the raccoon climb and hang on to branches.

Time for lunch

Raccoons find food along rivers and lakes.
They look for fish, crayfish, frogs, turtles, and turtle eggs.
They also catch mice and muskrats.
In the woods the raccoon searches for insects, nuts, fruit, birds and bird eggs.
They will also eat corn and other crops.
Raccoons living near people look in the garbage cans for food.