"Raccoons do not hibernate in Tennessee and are active throughout year."
"These nocturnal mammals are excellent tree climbers and can swim fairly well!"
ScientificName - Procyon lotor RANGE - North & Central America & Southern Canada LIFESPAN - to 5 years wild (12-16 captive) DIET - A variety of berries, insects, eggs and small animals. WEIGHT - 5.5 to 15 lbs. (up to 35 - 61 lbs.)
LENGTH - 24 to 36 inches
TAIL - 10 to 12 inches STATUS - Doing Well PROTECTION - Not Protected
Raccoons usually live together in small, loose groups. The original habitat for raccoons are forests, are often found in and around urban settings. Raccoons are omnivores, and consume a variety of berries, insects, eggs and small animals. They are also well known for invading trash containers in search of food. Raccoons occasionally wash, or dip, their food in water before they eat it. Raccoons have 40 teeth, with the chewing surface not as wide as herbivores but not as sharp and pointed as carnivores. The dark patches around thier eyes, the raccoon's most prominent trait, resemble a "bandit's mask," which has increased its reputation for mischief, vandalism, and thievery. Raccoons are often considered to be pests because they forage in trash receptacles and eat pet food left outside. They can open garbage cans and such, using their non-opposable thumbs. Raccoons live in hollow trees, ground burrows, caves and even attic spaces in urban areas. Mating occurs in January or February, and a litter of four or five young are born in April or May. Males do no take part in raising the young. By late summer, the litter is weaned and will begin to fend for themselves. Raccoons do not hibernate but may become dormant during severe winter weather. Raccoons are very common throughout North America from southern Canada south to Panama. At one time, raccoons were aggressively trapped for their fur and the populations dwindled greatly, but have recovered. American frontiersmen such as Daniel Boone were often portrayed wearing coonskin caps.
