Racoon

Scientific Name: Procyon lotor
Common Name: Raccoon

   Where They Live

Raccoons are native to North America and are found throughout:

• United States

• Southern Canada

• Mexico
  They’ve also been introduced to Europe and Japan (where they’re invasive).

Raccoons thrive in:

• Forests, wetlands, farmlands, and urban areas

• They often live in tree hollows, attics, abandoned burrows, or under porches

       Fun Facts

• Raccoons are known for "washing" their food—they don’t need to, but they explore textures using water and touch!

• They have extremely sensitive front paws and can open jars, latches, and even doors.

• Raccoons are nocturnal and mostly solitary, except during mating season or when raising kits.

• They are omnivores, eating everything from fruit and insects to frogs, eggs, and pizza crusts.

• Raccoons can remember solutions to tasks for over 3 years, showing strong problem-solving skills.

      Endangered Status

• Status: Least Concern (Not Endangered)

• Raccoons are highly adaptable and often thrive near humans

• Some species or populations (like the Barbados raccoon and Guadeloupe raccoon) are endangered or extinct due to habitat loss and limited range