RACCOONS

The common raccoon, often referred to as simply "raccoon", are meduim sized mammals with unique mask-like fur patterns on their faces. Their size usually ranges from 24 to 28 inches, and they weigh 4 to 24 pounds. Their scientific name is the Procyon lotor, and their average lifespan in the wild is 2 to 3 years. The raccoon is usually nocturnal and omnivorous, active during the night and feeding on both plants and animals. They are also extremely adaptive, having extended their activity range to forests, marshes, prairies, wetlands, and even to cities and suburbs. Raccoons have gray fur over most of their body, but they have 4 to 6 black rings around their tails.