The following information is adapted from Josie Giannetta's excellent student resource pages: WEB PAGES for STUDENTS

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi
© 2001 California Academy of Sciences

Raccoons are curious and clever animals that live in a wide variety of habitats. Most raccoons live in the wild, but they are not afraid to live near humans, and often thrive in suburban environments. Racoons may shelter in empty buildings, garages and sheds.

Photo from Usenet

Raccoons are most active at night. They do not hibernate in the winter, but do grow thick coats of fur and spend a lot of time sleeping during the coldest months.

Photo by Dave Menke, US Fish and Wildlife Service

Raccoons have been hunted and trapped for their fur. They are also hunted as a control measure in certain areas, because they damage crops and kill poultry and other small livestock.

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi
© 2001 California Academy of Sciences

Raccoon young are generally born in a nest of leaves made in a hollow tree or log. They are called "kits" and are blind for the first three weeks. The raccoon mother teaches the kits how to hunt and climb trees to escape from enemies. A raccoon's front toes are long and spaced far apart. This helps the raccoon climb and hang on to branches.

Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi
© 2001 California Academy of Sciences

Raccoons often find food along the shores of rivers and lakes. They hunt for fish, crayfish, frogs, turtles, and turtle eggs, as well as mice and muskrats. In the woods the raccoon searches for insects, nuts, fruit, birds and bird eggs. Raccoons will also eat corn and other crops. Raccoons that live near people may become accustomed to looking in garbage cans for food.