Common raccoon

The common raccoon is a moderately sized, heavily furred mammal best characterized by its distinctive markings. The face has a dark brownish-black eye mask sharply separated from whitish nose patches, eyebrow lines, and exclamation points between the eyes. The inside of the ears is ringed with white, adding to the facial contrast. The tail is annulated with five to seven dark rings separated by light gray or tan rings. The hind legs are longer than the front; thus, in a walking gait, the rump is higher than the head.

Photo by Tim Moore

Few, if any, behavior patterns of wild mammals are more widely recognized than the so-called "food-washing" behavior of the racoon. Wild raccoons, in foraging along streams, commonly sit on their hind legs (sometimes in the water), stare vacantly into space, and search for food by "dabbling" with splayed-fingered forepaws.

View more information about Living with Wildlife, Raccoons for tips on preventing conflicts at home and in the wild.

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