MadSci Network: Zoology |
Dear Brenda:Raccoons are interesting animals, and not only because they get into our trash at night. Raccons are neither cats nor rodents, they are members of the Genus Procyon, and are most closely related to cotimundis, ringtails, and to a lesser extent, the lesser panda. Raccoons are very dexterous animals, able to handle lots of objects with their hands, and are skilled climbers. Raccoons can grow to 2-3 feet in length, with a 10-inch long tail, and can weigh up to 40 pounds. They can live up to 13 years in captivity, but the average lifespan in the wild is thought to be shorter.
There are seven species of raccoons found across North America. They live primarily in forests, but are also found in wetlands and grassy areas. During the day, raccoons hole up in dens. These dens can be found in hollow trees, rock crevices, holes in the ground, or even attics of people's homes. A raccoon will den in any location that is sheltered and has a relatively small entrance. They use their dens for both shelter and escape.
For a lot more information on raccoons, check out:
raccoon FAQ and more raccoon info Hope this answers your question! Have a great day. Ingrid Dodge Mad Scientist
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