Raccoons are small, furry mammals characterized by their fluffy, ringed tails. North American raccoons are gray, slightly larger than house cats, and have a distinct black marking covering their eyes. The fact that this marking looks like a mask has earned raccoons nicknames like "trash pandas" and "trash bandits."
The mask isn't the only reason raccoons have earned these monikers. Their infamous love of trash is not an exaggeration. These nocturnal omnivores will get in just about any trash can they can find to eat virtually any organic substance you throw away. Their love of trash is part of what makes raccoon control so difficult.