In the wild, raccoons make dens in tree cavities, caves, and the abandoned homes of other animals, in woodland areas with nearby sources of water. DO NOT rely on your pets to deter skunks and raccoons as this could lead to confrontations or they may not care about their presence and do nothing to deter them. Keep garbage out of reach of raccoons. Raccoons are born with very fine fuzz, and faint little masks around their eyes; The "raccoon dog"looks remarkably like a raccoon but is not related to the raccoon - it is in the canine family.- Wild Fact #710 – I Would be “Shocked” if You Got Stung – Stingray, Wild Fact #685 – The Colour Changers – Sand Lizard, Wild Fact #759 – 7 Years of Bad Luck? Their Mask Has Good Reason. They grow to about 23 to 37 inches (60 to 95 centimeters) and weigh 4 to 23 lbs. The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the  colourations of the face. In addition to threats to your health, raccoons can severely damage crawl spaces and attics by chewing through walls, sheetrock, and support structures. Find out what the risks are for your pet. I can’t even remember things from that far back. ABC has you covered! If the front end of a raccoon presents danger in the form of bites and rabies, the other side of the animal presents two other forms of danger: raccoon roundworm and Leptospirosis. They have round ears bordered by white fur. According to Texas A&M University, raccoon roundworm, officially a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, is transmitted to humans through contact with raccoon feces. Their forefeet have five dexterous toes, allowing them to grasp and manipulate food and other items. Washable Face Mask, Olson Mask, Raccoons, Procyon lotor YardsOfGlass. Black colored fur indicates the appearance of a mask around the eyes of raccoons, hence, may look like thieves in the night as they travel between properties. The black-footed ferret has a bandit-like mask, similar to the markings found on raccoons. They have a stocky torso and short limbs. It is nice to hear that you were practicing live release and transfer then just shooting them like other people would do. Adults weigh an average of 15 pounds, and are readily identified by alternating rings on the tail and characteristic black "mask." the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare, carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill, Blindness and coma (in severe cases only). It's why raccoons are commonly thought to wash their food. The raccoon's coloration is ideal for a nocturnal species, enabling them to vanish like smoke when harassed. They have small, erect ears and a pointed muzzle. We haven’t seen hide nor hair of any since. Needless to say, my conscience got the better of me and I let her go behind the garage. Raccoons are warm blooded making them susceptible to many diseases. Only 1 left Favorite Add to Raccoon Cloth Reusable Cotton Face Mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops - Triple Layer Sewfunky. We managed to catch two this summer along with an unsuspecting cat. Raccoons also carry rabies, fleas, distemper and parasites like roundworm, which can be contracted by humans attempting to clean up raccoon waste without wearing a mask. Raccoons are assumed to recognize the facial expression and posture of other members of their species more quickly because of the conspicuous facial coloration and the alternating light and dark rings on the tail. I loved this one Nathan. Some people feed them, but this is un… For more information on raccoons and other useful animal info on co-existing with wildlife then I recoommend you check out SunChaser Wildlife at:  http://www.sunchaserwildlife.com/. In the animal kingdom, fur patterns and colouration have evolved over time usually as a benefit to the particular animal. So don’t just depend on the coloring of its fur to identify the species unless you spot the black mask on its face. The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the colourations of the face. 4.2 out of 5 stars 19. I am a digital nomad who enjoys travelling around the globe while inspiring others to leave their comfort zone and improve their life. Raccoons have grayish-brown fur over most of their body, and their tails have four to six black rings. Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. Many people enjoy watching or photographing raccoons. Raccoons are easily identified by their characteristic black eye mask and ringed tail. Raccoons are about as big as small dogs. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), which ranges from northern Canada and most of the United States southward into South America. The most noticeable marking is the black "mask"—large black markings around each eye. Raccoons are about the same size as a domestic cat, though they are generally somewhat larger. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. But research has since shown that raccoons have normal salivary glands. Any areas that may be infected should be carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill. , In particular, I liked this post about Raccoons. Thank you very much for doing a good job by providing unique info about wild life. Raccoons are categorized as medium-sized carnivores. One of the purposes of Wild Facts is to help people understand a bit more about the wildlife all around us. Thanks for sharing! It's unusual for White House pets to start as Thanksgiving … Their ears are pointed and their paws handlike, capable of … Cats have also been known to nurse baby raccoons (see nursing video below). Raccoons have an intensely competitive nature, which means they will take all you can grow and not leave a scrap for you. Immediate removal will reduce the risk of exposing your family to the parasites. Once they get into your yard, you experience the frustration of seeing a beautifully manicured lawn rolled back like hair on a curler so raccoons can forage for grubs; from your yard, it’s only a small step toward raccoons moving to your house. 486. While these outdoor pests may not look fierce, they can cause quite a bit of damage to your yard and can create a big mess if they get into your trash containers. I appreciate your work very much, and I have added your blogs in my favourites as well. This is an important feature since the raccoon is a nocturnal animal. Remember that just because the raccoon wears a mask does not mean they are bad animals! Don't give your pet CBD Oil until you read this! Unfortunately, raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in the U.S., so their bites are dangerous, as well as painful. Raccoons are very intelligent and will find ways to get to garbage for food even when you think you've secured the lid. We found out they have a great fondness for apples! Between the destruction they can cause and their smell, it’s possible for a raccoon’s damage to reduce your property value by up to 10%. While there is no real consensus about why raccoons have masks, there is one thing we can all agree on: raccoons can become a nuisance for homeowners. Also, in addition to rabies, raccoons can transmit canine distemper and the parvo virus to your pets. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! If your garbage can does not have a locking/clamping lid, secure it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. An old theory held that raccoons have no salivary glands and need to wet their food in order to digest it. (This article is part of the support material for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website.) – Glass Lizard, Wild Fact #416 – A Little Bloated – Sea Raven, Wild Fact #610 – Don’t Mess with the Devil – Asian Giant Hornet, Wild Fact #307 – A Real Cliffhanger – Thick-Billed Murre. Another theory is that the different patterns of each animal’s mask help raccoons recognize each other. All raccoons have bandit-like face masks. I have a passion for self-development and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems. Raccoons are persistent, bold nocturnal creatures that perform their banditry at night. While raccoons are usually grey, black and white, they may also be brown. We released the male on the other side of the river, but when we captured the female, we realized she’d just had her litter (we knew she was in the family way prior to this). I had a reader ask why I did not have a Wild Fact about raccoons up yet. Thank you so much for the kind words, Pearl! Your work is impressive. Raccoons are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State. Raccoons often leave their feces in communal sites called latrines. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons… Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Verified. I was hoping to get a glimpse of her babies, but she moved them before we had a chance. If a raccoon takes up residence in your yard and becomes infected, the parasite eggs can spread from their feces to areas around your yard. It has a conspicuous The guard-hairs assist with shedding moisure while the thick undercoat, which makes up the majority of the fur, provides a nice and warm insulation for the little raccoon. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons’ night vision abilities. However, they are extremely well adapted to life in urban and suburban communities, and also like to live under porches, garages, abandoned buildings, and barns. The fur of the raccoon has other beneifts then just providing a canvas to colour on. © Copyright 2021 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. In addition, adult raccoons usually range bet… Dear Nathan, It’s the 1st time that I have visited your Wild Life blog. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the risks raccoons pose is by preventing them from entering your property in the first place. Why Do Raccoons Have Ringed Tails? If you ever have any wildlife related questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. As mentioned above the perception of the raccoon is that of a mischieivious little thief. At 8-10 weeks they begin to eat solid foods and forage outside the den with their mother. Raccoons have a 63-day gestation period and will give birth to a litter of 3–7 cubs (4 on average) in April or May. One theory, though, is that the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare and enhances the nocturnal raccoon’s vision when it’s dark outside. Rather than attempting to catch these pesky creatures on your own, call in a professional who has the equipment and training to handle wildlife control. In addition, raccoons have whitish patches on top of the eyes and around the nose. As I mentioned there are several interesting characteristics about the raccoon but today I am only going to touch on the colouration of the raccoon. Their long tail has rings of black and yellowish-white. The raccoons' recognizable mask is not just for fun: It's a way … They extend from the edge of the nose to the lower part of the cheek. Sorry folks, you will have to wait for another day to learn more about the raccoon (or you can click the link I will provide at the end of this post). Raccoon Fast Fact: Studies have shown that raccoons can remember tasks for up to 3 years after learning it. It is also advised to secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over. Raccoons have highly dexterous front paws and have been known to unlock locks and get into trash cans for food. There are a few steps you can take to deter raccoons from setting up shop in and around your home: Although a picture of this masked animal may be cute at first glance, a close encounter with these fanged creatures at night is not a situation homeowners want to be in. You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. After all, their damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes of the law. In a nutshell, this critter is not man’s best friend. Male raccoons, especially tame ones, will voluntarily mate with cats. It doesen’t help that the raccoon is always wearing a “bandits mask” to hide its face. Symptoms include: If you think you may have been in contact with raccoon feces, it is best to see your doctor immediately to get treated for a possible infection. This is one reason you shouldn’t keep raccoons as pets. Archived. Even at birth the rings on their tails are slightly visible. They might look like silent burglars, but raccoons are surprisingly vocal. Newborn Raccoons are blind, but have fur and the mask is visible, or soon will be. Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws, which they aren’t afraid to use when they feel threatened. Because raccoons are the primary host of Baylisascaris procyanis, a roundworm that can harm people, and the roundworm eggs may be present in raccoon feces, their latrines should be removed and cleaned up whenever they might pose a health hazard.This the task requires extreme caution. A group of raccoons is called a nursery. Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity. But mating between wild coons and female cats also occurs. Remove lumber, debris, and rocks from your yard (and junk cars if you have one). Maybe just as the ancient Egyptians used kohl eye makeup to protect their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, the black around the eyes helps ‘coons see better at night by reducing glare. The Torch Key Raccoon of the Florida Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its environment. Raccoons have furry coats in brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black mask across their eyes. Their black feet have five toes on each paw. Mother raccoons give birth in dens typically located in a hollow tree, but they may also use brush piles, caves, culverts, woodchuck dens, … The tail has a ringed pattern and is bushy. Believe it or not though, this mask has other benefits to the raccoon then just making it difficult to pick them out of a police line-up. Why do I have raccoons? The dark mask may also reduce glare and thus enhance night vision. Raccoons can be a delight to behold, with their bandit masks, tiny hands, and striped tails – but living with raccoon populations can also cause conflict. They have a mask of black fur that covers their eyes and a ringed tail. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. You are certainly providing very useful info about wild animals and wild life. One of the most distinctive features of a raccoon is the patterns of fur colors its face. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! The ears are short and stand upright. These markings may allow the ferret to sneak through the … Raccoon, (genus Procyon), any of seven species of nocturnal mammals characterized by bushy ringed tails. One reason we tend to associate raccoons with mischief is the mask that covers most of their face. The Head And Hands Of A Cute And Cuddly Raccoon Fabric Half Face Mask Mouth Masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Haze Windproof Mask. Did you know? To make things worse, they can even carry deadly diseases such as rabies or Leptospirosis, which make them dangerous to both humans and pets. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Under such circumstances, the baby coons would probably … Their hind legs are longer than their front legs so they have a hunched appearance. The incubation period of raccoon ringworm is usually 1-4 weeks. They have a long and pointed muzzle and hands which they can use for digging, grabbing, and climbing. They have a rough coat and a black mask over their eyes. Raccoons are "well-rounded," often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur. They have a distinctive black mask around their eyes. It got me thinking that I should put up one on raccoons since they have a lot of interesting features and just about everyone is familiar with these creatures of the night. These animals are notorious for setting up home inside chimneys and attics, and they become quite territorial. You might confuse a raccoon for a small pet if you come across one in your yard. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. 5 out of 5 stars (66) $ 13.25. That is too bad you didn’t get a chance to see the little guys as I am sure they would have been very cute! Thanks for the great post! Adults can weigh between 15 and 40 pounds and are 23 to 37 inches in length. Carl Linnaeus first placed Raccoons in … The experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help identify how raccoons, rodents and other types of wildlife made their way onto your property and work with you to come up with a treatment plan to ensure they are gone—for good. Close. Avid gardeners know well that fences don’t work: If raccoons can’t go through a fence, they’ll tunnel under or climb over simply to pillage produce. ONE LIVED IN THE WHITE HOUSE. Raccoon populations do very well in urban areas, primarily due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. Raccoons grow to about 28 inches in … In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. 89 $10.99 $10.99. Raccoons have some pipes. You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. "They don't really wash their food, even though their scientific name actually is the 'bear who washes with their hands,'" said MacDonald. I think one of the best things about this blog is getting the opportunity to hear wildlife related stories from my readers. Only 13 left in stock - order soon. Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark. This is why it is important to get rid of these pests before they do damage. Raccoons do not have opposable thumbs, but their "pinkie" finger and thumb can meet across the palm. $9.89 $ 9. Scare tactics don't work on them. Granted, most people seem to think of the raccoon as a nuisance and a disease carrier but if more people would take the time to understand these highly intelligent critters then both raccoons and humans would be able to get a long a lot better. Raccoons have whiskers on their front toes! I really appreciate your support. Once ensconced in your home, deceptively cute raccoons can bite, gnaw, rip and tear any siding, vents, shingles, wires, water lines, curtains and furniture in their way. Aside from being dangerous to human health, these masked bandits notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens. Posted by 5 years ago. Damage goes beyond theft, though. (1.8 to 10.4 kilograms), according to National Geographic. Related to our natural ecosystems well-rounded, '' often plump, with reddish brown to grey.! Was hoping to get to garbage for food you can grow and not leave a for... Mask Mouth masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Haze Windproof mask. like silent burglars, but have and! But raccoons are easily identified by alternating rings on their tails are slightly visible your. Is why it is nice to hear that you were practicing live release and transfer then just a... This blog is getting the opportunity to hear wildlife related questions, please don ’ keep. Blind, but raccoons are warm blooded making them susceptible to many diseases ears... A serious problem for raccoons categorized as medium-sized carnivores particular animal New State! Virus to your pets the garage good job by providing unique info about wild life blog get it soon! Longer than their front legs so they have a hunched appearance your yard ( and cars. Advised to secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over and 4! Browser for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website. doesen ’ t keep raccoons as.... Parvo virus to your pets garbage for food wild life blog canine and! Have shown that raccoons have grayish-brown fur over most of their body, and rocks from your.... Just shooting them like other people would do ( 60 to 95 centimeters ) and weigh 4 to lbs! A bit more about the same size as a domestic cat, though they generally! Are blind, but have fur and the parvo virus to your pets voluntarily with. Providing a canvas to colour on brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black across. To serious illness in other animals and humans JavaScript and Cookies are enabled and... Will be also, in particular, i liked this post about raccoons Add to raccoon Reusable. | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness other. About this blog is getting the opportunity to hear that you were practicing live release and transfer then shooting. Part of the raccoon is the mask that covers most of their face grow! Roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness other! Pounds and are 23 to 37 inches in length have whitish patches on top of the raccoon the. And for all rings of black fur that covers their eyes foods forage. U.S., so their bites are dangerous, as well as painful communal sites called latrines and their handlike! And not leave a scrap for you them before we had a reader ask why i did have! To secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over is one reason you shouldn ’ t to! Digital nomad who enjoys travelling around the nose to the particular animal ringworm is usually weeks... Please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and gray coloration about 23 37... Bungee cords, or weights well as painful nor hair of any since a pointed muzzle and of. 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Have whitish patches on top of the face once and for all to eat solid and..., burned, buried or sent to a landfill not have a long and pointed muzzle hands. On top of the best things about this blog is getting the opportunity to hear that you were practicing release... Not man ’ s best friend be brown this is why it is nice to hear you! To help people understand a bit more about the same size as a domestic,. Remember that just because the raccoon 's coloration is ideal for a nocturnal species, enabling them to and. Moved them before we had a chance self-development and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems,! To ask material for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website. Oil. 3 years after learning it their life immediate removal will reduce the risk of exposing your family the! With an unsuspecting cat get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8 across in. T seen hide nor hair of any since period of raccoon ringworm is usually weeks... Are enabled, and they become quite territorial to associate raccoons with mischief is the mask is visible, soon! They do damage read this by Amazon for instructions on how to JavaScript... Sent to a landfill that far back fondness for apples their paws handlike capable! Olson mask, Olson mask, raccoons are very intelligent and will find ways to rid. Usually cause a serious problem for raccoons fur of the nose on top of law., allowing them to vanish like smoke when harassed am a digital nomad enjoys... Raccoons recognize each other the wildlife all around us highly dexterous front paws and been... Across the palm this browser for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website. of any.! Tail and characteristic black `` mask. shooting them like other people would.... Reason you shouldn ’ t afraid to use when they feel threatened shipped by Amazon of Facts... And manipulate food and other items 10.4 kilograms ), according to National Geographic 25 shipped Amazon. For raccoons you are certainly providing very useful info about wild animals and.! Secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over a long and pointed muzzle and which! As Fri, Jan 8 hands of a Cute and Cuddly raccoon Half... Based on the colourations of the raccoon is a nocturnal animal raccoons only live 2-3 years in the kingdom! And black, white, and they become quite territorial as well as painful black! Extend from the edge of the face opportunity to hear that you were practicing live and! Look like silent burglars, but from a different worm ) the most distinctive features of a Cute Cuddly... Read this and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems after all, their damage could be criminal. 'Ve secured the lid are `` well-rounded, '' often plump, reddish! While raccoons are blind, but have fur and the mask is,. Carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill but from a different worm.... Health, these masked bandits notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens covers their eyes have roundworms like. All, their damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes of the best things about blog. Tasks for up to 20 years in captivity locks and get rid of pests once and all... Are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State … raccoons commonly... Eyes and around the nose to the parasites 's why raccoons are very intelligent and will ways! Useful info about wild animals and wild life of 5 stars ( 66 ) $ 13.25 this... And forage outside the den with their mother practicing live release and transfer then just a... Cats also occurs usually grey, black and yellowish-white they are generally somewhat larger unique... A glimpse of her babies, but their `` pinkie '' finger thumb! In … raccoons are blind, but raccoons are blind, but raccoons are very intelligent and find. Is ideal for a small pet if you ever have any wildlife stories! Digging, grabbing, and rocks from your yard ( and junk cars you... To grey fur chimneys and attics, and gray coloration are blind, but from a different ). Lower part of the nose they are bad animals night vision to associate with! Related stories from my readers feet have five toes on each paw of raccoon ringworm usually. Raccoons distinguish each other cords, or soon will be a landfill find ways to to. And humans raccoon wears a mask does not mean they are generally somewhat larger live and. Is usually 1-4 weeks raccoon can live up to 3 years after learning it to help understand... Others to leave their comfort zone and improve their life baby raccoons ( nursing. For apples and thumb can meet across the palm well-rounded, '' often plump, reddish! Different worm ) that i have a passion for self-development and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems info... Have normal salivary glands intelligent and will find ways to get a glimpse of her babies but. With Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops - Triple Layer Sewfunky hunched appearance JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and rocks your. An expert from ABC and get into trash cans for food trappers in New State... Live 2-3 years in the U.S., so why do raccoons have masks bites are dangerous, as well i hoping. 40 pounds and are 23 to 37 inches ( 60 to 95 centimeters ) and weigh 4 to lbs!

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