Justin Moore Raccoons are widespread throughout southern Canada to Central America. Their preferred habitat consists of brushy or wooded areas near streams, lakes, or swamps. A distinct black mask, outlined in white, extends across the raccoon's eyes, cheeks, and snout, while the rest of its rounded body is covered in dense, gray or brown fur. Their long, bushy tail is ringed with four or more black stripes.
Adults measure twenty to thirty inches in length, and can weigh up to thirty-five pounds.
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they consume a variety of foods. Their diet is made up of aquatic life, such as crayfish, crabs, and oysters, as well as mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, nuts, and fruit. When human fare is available, raccoons will not hesitate to sample it as well. Using their highly developed senses of hearing, sight, and touch, raccoons can locate food quite readily. A camper's closed ice chest, tent, and trash bags serve as no challenge to the curious raccoon.