By Josie
December 14, 2022
Raccoons are nicknamed "trash pandas"
But in fact they're highly intelligent.
Let's get to know them better!
They clock 30-36 inches in length, and 22 pounds in weight.
A well-fed male can measure a whole 45 pounds.
They have a shaggy and gray-ish fur coat.
Their hands are naked and highly dexterous.
Raccoons are native to North America.
They were also introduced to Europe due to the fur-trade.
Due to a popular cartoon in the 70's featuring a raccoon,
Japan imported huge numbers of raccoons for pet-keeping.
This totally backfired - they're now facing a significant raccoon problem.
They like forested areas since they use trees as an emergency escape route
In urban areas they often inhabit abandoned houses.
Raccoon's are not picky feeders.
A.k.a opportunistic feeders - but they especially like seafood.
Urban raccoons will gladly feast on what the local garbage bins offer.
Its diet is largely dependant on geographical location.
Raccoon mom's usually have 1-6 kits,
which are born deaf and blind
They can live for as long as 20 years.
In urban areas traffic accidents are cause 90% of their deaths.
They are extremely intelligent and can remember a solution to a problem for two years