Raccoons look like they wear a mask with their black stripe that crosses their eyes. They usually weight between 13 to 15 lbs when grown and have a bushy tail. Their forepaws look like a small human hand. This helps them hold objects easily while eating.
Raccoons prefer living in wooded areas with plenty of moisture. They can also travel to populated areas where food is plentiful. Raccoons live all across the United States and southern Canada. They live as far south as northern South America.
Raccoons eat both plants and small animals. They consume various fruits and nuts, including berries, peaches and acorns. They hunt for insects, frogs, fish and bird eggs. Those that live near neighborhoods adapt their appetites to cat food and trash dumped out by humans.
Raccoons prefer to hunt and travel at night, and sleep during the day. They climb trees when threatened with ease, and are excellent swimmers. Raccoons appear cute, but can be dangerous when threatened. Their sharp claws and teeth can injure those threatening them. Raccoons live in the wild up to 16 years, and have been known to live as long as 21 years in captivity.