Raccoon

The raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. It is usually nocturnal and omnivorous. Its diet consists of 40% invertebrates, 33% plant material and 27% vertebrates.

The weight of a fully grown raccoon varies with habitat. It ranges from 2 to 14 kg, but is usually between 3.5 and 9 kg. In general, male raccoons are 15 to 20% heavier than female raccoons. The heaviest recorded wild raccoon weighed 28.4 kg.

As raccoons have short legs compared to their compact torso, they are generally unable to run quickly or jump great distances. Their highest speed over short distances is 16 to 24 km/h. Raccoons can swim with an average speed of about 5 km/h and can stay in water for several hours.

Raccoons eat active or large prey such as birds and mammals only occasionally, as they prefer prey such as fishes and amphibians which are easier to catch. They sample food and other objects with their front paws to examine them and to remove unwanted parts.

A typical raccoon has a grayish coat, of which about 90% is dense underfur, which insulates the animal against cold weather. Raccoons have good intelligence. Studies have shown that they are able to remember solution to tasks for three years.

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