They are somtimes referred to as the masked bandit because of the black mask on their faces and the trouble they get into. A raccoon's tail has 5 to 7 complete dark rings. They have front paws with fingers that can open latches and turn on faucets.
Raccoons are shy but curious.
Most live alone, but will come together for food and shelter. They are excellent climbers and swimmers and one of the few mammals that can go down a tree head first. They can see very well in the dark and usually come out at night, but they sometimes come out during the day to look for food or when they are traveling with their babies. These animals make their dens in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, sometimes under brush piles, and ground ground burrows dug by other animals. They may sleep in a leaf nest high in tree tops.