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Raccoon

Class- Mammalia
Order- Carnivora
Family- Procyonidae
Genus- Procyon
Species- Procyon Lotor (P. Lotor)

                                      Raccoon Habitat
Raccoons are mammals that live in the United States, South America, and Canada. There are seven types of raccoons, but the most common raccoon is the North American Raccoon. They can be found in cities and in the countryside. The North American Raccoon prefers to live in wooded areas near the water. Raccoons’ usual habitat is in hollow trees or on top of buildings.
                                        Raccoon Description
Raccoons have short legs, pointed snouts, and small ears that stand up straight. They have a dark pattern around their eyes that looks like a mask. They are from 30-36 in. long from nose to tail. Usually raccoons weigh about 22 lbs. but larger males weigh more than 44 lbs. The largest raccoon weighed up to 62 lbs.! Their tails have dark rings. Raccoons have a dark fur pattern around their eyes, and their fur color is iron-gray.
                                          Raccoon Diet
Raccoons can weigh twice as much in the winter than in the spring, due to fat storage. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which mean they are active at night. They are also omnivores. Omnivores eat meat and plants. Raccoons eat different kinds of food. They eat crayfish, crabs, frogs, fish, rodents, eggs, fruits, and plants. Female raccoons will over-eat when nursing their kits.

Raccoon Conservation Status
Raccoons are not endangered.
Raccoons are killed by humans for their fur. Humans also kill raccoons because they are considered pests. The raccoon is one of the primary rabies carriers, and usually die from rabies. Raccoons are very smart, they can unlock doors and they have a good memory. Raccoons have a lot of different calls! They have 13 identified calls, 7 are used for communication between mother and kits.
Bibliography

Article name: “Raccoon” www.school.eb.com/elementary.article?articleId=353690&query=raccoon&ct=

Article name: “Raccoon Classification” www.animalcorner.co.uk/wildlife/raccoon.html