Animals Related To Raccoonsįor a long time, scientists had a hard time finding the proper place of Procyonidae on the tree of life. Because raccoons live in colder climates than other procyonids, they are stockier and longer-haired than their cousins. But most are generally longer and skinnier than raccoons. In general, procyonids have raccoon-like coloration, with black-and-white face markings and a pattern of rings on the tail. southwest and the coatis and kinkajous of Central and South America. Also in this family are several other raccoon-like animals, including the ringtail of the U.S. The raccoon belongs to an unusual family of mammals called the Procyonidae. The reality is that raccoons can be active at various times of day and that all raccoons are potential carriers of rabies. There’s an urban legend that raccoons only come out during the day when they’re infected with rabies, and that day-active raccoons are therefore especially dangerous. If more food is available during the day, raccoons can adjust their sleep schedule. Raccoons are mostly nocturnal, but they’re flexible in this as in everything else. Raccoons are capable climbers, and will seek safety in the branches of a tree if threatened. In the Florida Keys, local raccoons are barely bigger than kittens, averaging 4-6 pounds as adults. Raccoons vary in size from 10 pounds to over 50 pounds, largely based on where they live and how much food is available. The raccoon’s name comes from the Powhatan language and means “he scratches with his hands.” It’s not for nothing that the raccoon has a reputation for breaking into dumpsters and stealing people’s trash. And because they’ll eat just about anything, they can live very well in close proximity with humans. Raccoons can thrive in almost any environment: swamps or deserts, sweltering jungles or frozen tundra. Stealthy, clever, and adaptable, the raccoon ( Procyon lotor)–also known as the “common raccoon” to distinguish it from other raccoon-like animals–is an emblem of backyard biodiversity across North America. Nine-Banded Armadillo Facts, Pictures & In-Depth Information.A List Of Different Types Of Animals With Pictures & Facts: An Overview Of The Entire Animal Kingdom.Red Panda Facts, Pictures & Information: Discover An Endangered Asian Mammal With A Misleading Name!.South American Coati Facts, Pictures & Information.Pictures & Facts On The Iconic Animals Of North America, With FREE Printable Worksheet Why Do Raccoons Have Masks And Ringed Tails?.The raccoon originally lived in forests, but this adaptable animal is today found in a wide variety of additional habitats, including urban environments. It is a member of the carnivoran family Procyonidae, which also includes animals such as coatis and ringtails. Original graphics Copyright © 1999-2009 The GableĪnd may not be used without express permission of owner.The raccoon is a mid-sized mammal that is widespread throughout much of North America. So, before even considering sharing your home with a raccoon, PLEASE read my page about Raccoons as Pets, check out the links you'll find there, do in-depth research, find a vet that will treat the raccoon and check your liability insurance coverage. But for every Remo and Taz success story, there are stories of pet raccoons that get dumped into the wild when then get too wild to handle. Kept humans as pets with all parties living together happy and cage-free. However, there are some raccoons out there who have successfully and while some may consider this a geeneralization, it is generally No, although coonhunters have told me that the raccoons enjoy the chase just as much as the dogs, or are up holed up in the tree laughing, the raccoons tell a different tale. (Why do so many humans insist we are the only animal that has feelings?!!)ĩ. No, unless love and trust and contentment and fear and anger and loneliness are not emotions but merely instincts. Raccoons are quiteĬapable of killing cats but normally don't attack cats unless they areĨ. Their closest relatives are the ringtails, coatis and coatimundis.ħ. No, as members of the Procyonidae family, No, it is more akin to their "feeling" their food - click here for moreĦ. No, and the majority of them do not have rabiesīut those that catch it will eventually die from it like all mammals.ĥ. No, they go through a period of decreased activity in the winter, which is referred to as daily Torpor.Ĥ. No, they do (that is where their saliva comesģ. But respect the fact that they're a wild animal and could be rabid.Ģ. No, while they are usually more active at night, many will venture out during the day ~ particularly females foraging for food who may have a litter of babies back in the den.
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