The raccoon perceives the world primarily through its sense of touch. This is why is was christened raccoon in its North American homeland – a name which comes from North American Indian and means an animal which “scratches with its hands”.

Distribution area and habitat

Originally, raccoons were only native to North, Central and South America. Since the beginning of the 20th century they have lived in Central Europe where they were released or escaped from fur farms.The preferred habitat of the North American raccoon is deciduous forest close to water and marshland. During the day it sleeps in hollow trees and holes in rocks or the ground.

Appearance, height and weight

The North American raccoon has a broad head and a pointed snout. It has long fur and a bushy tail with browny black rings. It is a grey brown colour on the back and sides and a light grey underneath. The black markings on its cheeks which run between the eyes and across the forehead in a vertical strip are also typical. Raccoons can even recognize each other at night by this face mask. They reach a length of 45-70 centimetres.

Diet

These nocturnal animals hunt birds, mice, insects, small fish, snails, crawfish and frogs. Their diet also includes eggs, nuts, cereals and fruit.

Way of life

The raccoon sleeps the day away, going in search of food at night. It feels for its prey in shallow water or on the ground, pawing, turning and examining it closely once it has been caught. But it is only once the raccoon’s sense of smell has approved of the food that it is finally consumed.In cold areas, raccoons spend the winter in dens and hollow tree trunks. Although they sleep deeply they do not hibernate, coming out of their resting place as soon as there is a short spell of slightly warmer weather.

Social behaviour and reproduction

Male raccoons copulate with several females, whereas the females only accept one suitor. The males, which are otherwise peaceful, often fight each other vociferously during the mating season.In the spring, the female usually gives birth to three to five cubs after around nine weeks, looking after the offspring on her own. The family roams together for approximately one year, after which time the young raccoons leave their mother.

Status

The raccoon’s fur continues to be highly sought-after, with the result that it is hunted extensively, particularly in the south of the USA.