The raccoon (or Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal native throughout North America. It has grey-brown coarse hair, a long black-ringed tail, a pointed snout and distinctive facial markings often described as a ‘mask’ across the eyes. Raccoons have very dextrous front paws which they use like hands. Raccoons measure 41cm to 70cm in length, with tails adding a further 19cm to 40cm. Males are typically larger than females and weigh between 2.5kg and 10.4kg, whereas females weigh 1.8kg to 7.5kg. Size and weight vary greatly across subspecies, climate and time of year.
Latin Name
Procyon lotor
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raccoon
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Animal Facts
Raccoon hands are extremely sensitive, much like human hands.
Raccoons know their territory well and may have up to 20 den spots that they use intermittently.
There are 22 subspecies of raccoon spread across North America and the Caribbean.
The black mask around the raccoon’s eyes improves their vision by absorbing excess light to reduce glare and help them see in the dark.
Raccoons are excellent problem solvers and are very adept at working out puzzles when there is food involved.
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