Black mask over eyes. Tail rings yellowish white alternating with black. Builds dens in hollow trees, logs, and buildings.
Raccoons are nocturnal and are active year-round.
They mate in February or March in the north, and earlier in the south. Raccoon meat is edible, and its distinctive fur patterns have been seen on such celebrities as Daniel Boone, with his coonskin cap. Raccoons are expert climbers, and they plague farmers and gardeners by eating corn and damaging crops. They are curious and clever and have excellent memories, plus highly developed senses of hearing, sight, and touch. Raccoons are occasionally kept as pets, but tame, cute, raccoon pups become wild and unpredictable with age.