Raccoons are intriguing creatures! Here are some key facts about them:

Appearance: Raccoons are medium-sized mammals with gray to brown fur, a distinctive black mask around their eyes, and a bushy tail with rings12. Their paws are quite dexterous and resemble human hands.

Habitat: They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments, from forests and wetlands to urban areas3. In Canada, they are the only member of the Procyonidae family.

Diet: Raccoons are omnivores, eating a wide range of foods including fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and even human garbage.

Behavior: They are primarily nocturnal and are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities3. They often wash their food in water before eating it, a behavior that has earned them the nickname “washing bear” in some cultures.