Upperparts are grizzled brown and black, sides are grayer, and the underparts are dull brownish. Face is whitish with the black mask.
Raccoons occur across North America, except in parts of the Rockies and extreme northern areas.
They prefer hardwood forests, and they are often found in small woodlots, especially those near a pond, marsh, or stream. Raccoons are nocturnal, and are omnivorous, feeding on wild fruits grasses, corn, and nuts as well as crayfish, clams, fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, small birsd or bird eggs, and the young of small mammals like rabbits, mice, and squirrels. They also raid garbage cans and beg for food near campgrounds. Their front feet are very sensetive, and useful for grabbing presy through water. They are preyed upon by many large mammals as well as great horned owls, and their fur is often used by humans.