Raccoon Coloring Pages

Fun Facts about Raccoon

• The Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is native to North and South America having a range that extends from Southern Canada to the northern reaches of Argentina. Raccoons have feral populations in Europe, especially Germany, where they escaped from fur farms and were set loose to be hunted for sport during the time of World War II. The raccoon gets its name from the Algonquin word arakun which means "one who scratches with his hands."
• Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. Scientists have determined that they can make over 51 different sounds! They purr, whistle, growl, hiss, scream and even whinny.
• Raccoons are basically omnivores which means they like to have meat and plants both in their meals. But according to experts, they can eat almost anything that is available. In wild, their they get most of their food from water as they are expert at catching fish and frogs from water with lightening speed. From land their favorite food is mice, insects and eggs of birds. They also like to eat different fruits and nuts in their meal.
• Raccoons are probably the most recognized animal in the United States. Their distinctive black masks and ringed tails make them easy to identify. There are 6 species of raccoon, but there are not many traits that differentiate them.
• Raccoons have been kept as pets (President Coolidge and his wife had one named Rebecca), and while young, seem happy to be in human company. As they mature, especially during mating season, they can become increasingly destructive and aggressive.
• According to experts, raccoons scored very high on the mammal IQ level test. They are found to be more intelligent than cats. They have amazing skills of opening locks and close doors. In a study, in total of 13 locks, raccoons were able to open 11 locks. They were also able to memorize the combination which suggests raccoons were intelligent enough to understand the complex mechanism of locks.
• Raccoons nest in tree hollows or empty underground dens but are equally at home in abandoned cars, sewers or your chimney. They are generalists, rapidly adapting to ever changing environments and food sources.
• In spring, female raccoons give birth to three or four young. The baby raccoon’s eyes do not open until 20 days or so after birth. It won’t have rings on its tail, or a mask around its eyes, until it’s older. Baby raccoons stay in the den for eight to ten weeks. The mother raccoon is very protective of her babies—she won’t even let the father near them.