About Raccoons
2018 Update to Pest Wildlife Management

Your local Animal Control &
Wildlife Removal Company


Facts About Raccoons

what does Raccoon poop look like

The English word "raccoon" is a version of a native Powhatan word meaning -- creature that scratches with its palms. The raccoon is native to North America and can be seen in the majority of America. It may also be found in parts of Canada, Mexico and the northernmost areas of South America.

The male raccoon (Boar) is slightly bigger than the female (Sow), and the infants are called kits.

A feature patch of black fur which masks both of its eyes and is in turn surrounded by white fur. It's thought that the black fur enriches the mammal's night vision and its nocturnal activities.

The rest of its body is covered by dense grayish brown fur, which functions to preserve its body temperature.

The species can be characterized by the presence of alternate dark and light rings on its tail

Both hind legs are longer than the front legs, which makes it look hunched while jogging.

It's black paws with 5 feet each; the clawed toes on its front paws are very nimble and can grasp objects and foods quite well.

Raccoon breeding season runs from January through March, followed by an incubation period of two months and a bit. Then the female gives birth to a litter of between 3 to 6 infants, who start standing at about 6 weeks old. The mother weans them at 70 days and they shortly begin to follow her out on hunting trips.

Habitat: The raccoons natural habitat is in mountainous regions, especially close to water. It's however able to succeed in cities and suburbs, where it generally makes its den . Additionally it is famous for producing its den in caves, sewers as well as in homes (attics and chimneys).

Behavior: The raccoon is a solitary creature, except for mothers with young. Even though a raccoon can run at a rate of up to 15 mph, it mostly walks. The majority of its activities are performed at night. The raccoon is a really good climber and can go down a tree backward or face first. It doesn't hibernate during winter, but might sleep in its den for months at a stretch. It's known to make an assortment of vocal sounds such as hisses, whistles, screams, growls and snarls. The raccoon has a heightened sense of touch and its very sensitive front paws are much more so submerged.

The raccoon is an omnivore and mostly eats nuts, fruits, corn, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs and crayfish. In urban areas, it often forages in garbage cans and can be seen analyzing and 'washing' its food in water if there's any nearby. The cause of this is to soften the food and look for any foreign object on it.