The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal distinguished by a black mask across the eyes and cheeks and black rings around the bushy tail. The long, thick fur gives raccoons a typical gray-brown color, with variations ranging from sienna to silver. Other characteristics include short, pointed ears and a long, pointed snout. They are common throughout Connecticut. The young are born in April or May after a 63-day gestation period.
Females produce one litter per year, with an average of four cubs per litter.
The cubs are born blind, helpless and are covered with yellowish-gray fur. After 30 to 40 days, the cubs leave the den and will travel with the female for short distances to search for food. At three to four months, the cubs begin to forage on their own. Raccoons are now abundant in both urban and rural areas throughout Connecticut. They have keen senses of hearing, sight and touch, but taste and smell are less well developed.