Raccoons Guide
A raccoon (or racoon) is any one of three species of nocturnal mammal which constitute the genus Procyon of the Procyonidae family. The most widespread species, the Common Raccoon (P. lotor), is often known simply as "the" raccoon, as the two other raccoon species in the genus are native only to the tropics and are considerably lesser-known. Genetic studies have shown that the closest relatives of the racoon are the ringtails and cacomistles.
Raccoons are unusual, for their thumbs (though not opposable) enable them to open many closed containers (such as garbage cans and doors). They are omnivores with a reputation for being clever and mischievous; their intelligence and dexterity equip them to survive in a wide range of environments and are one of the few medium-to-large-sized animals that have enlarged its range since human encroachment began (another is the coyote). Raccoon hindfeet are plantigrade similar to a human's. Raccoons are sometimes considered vermin or a nuisance, and are common in campgrounds of North America, especially in the Midwest. Many people are surprised when raccoons make odd growl and fights viciously over scraps of food left out by campers.
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Raccoons can live up to 16 years in the wild, though most do not make it through their second year. A raccoon that survives past its youth will live an average of 5 years. Primary causes of mortality include humans (hunting, trapping, cars) and malnutrition.
There are three species of raccoon. The most widespread is the Common Raccoon, also known as the Northern Raccoon, which has a natural range of Southern Canada to Southern Mexico and has been introduced to Continental Europe. Raccoons can live in the city or in the wild, and while they are not domesticated they are on rare occasion kept as pets.
The two rarer species are the Tres Marias Raccoon (P. insularis), native to the Tres Marķas islands off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and the Crab-eating Raccoon (P. cancrivorus) of tropical Central and South America.
Some raccoons once considered separate species are now thought to be the same as or subspecies of the common raccoon, including the Barbados Raccoon (P. gloveralleni), Nassau Raccoon (P. maynardi), Guadeloupe Raccoon (P. minor), and Cozumel Island Raccoon (P. pygmaeus) (Helgen and Wilson 2005).
Q: Are pet raccoons destructive? A: Yes, but we are willing to negotiate the issue. If you give us our own belongings from the time we are tiny and frequently replace them when we annihilate them, we'll generally agree to leave your things alone. Q: What belongings should a raccoon be given? A:
- 1. My own room in the house that I can retreat to when I want to.
- 2. Stuffed animal toys, some with bells inside.
- 3. My own bed, complete with bedding; sheets, blankets, pillows and bedspread
- 4. Other 'toys' suitable for infants to toddlers.
Q: Should a raccoon live in the house? A: Yes, if I don't, I won't be a pet. All you have otherwise is a caged, wild animal. Q: Will a raccoon be happy living in a house? A: Ecstatic! Would you want to sleep in a tree and eat garbage and grubs? Q: What do raccoons eat? A: Everything, after all, we're omnivores. Q: What should raccoons eat? A: A well balanced diet of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean chicken and fish, but very little red meat. A high grade, low ash dog food can be substituted for the chicken/fish component. Q: How long will a pet 'coon live? A: If you take good care of me, I'll live 10 - 15 years. The record for a captive coon is 22 years. The average wild 'coon lives fewer than 6 years. Q: Are raccoons affectionate? A: Yes, I become very attached to my people and am not afraid to show my feelings. Q: Will a raccoon get along with other family pets? A: Yes, we've been known to actually become friends with dogs or cats. Usually, we just ignore them and pretend they don't exist. Q: Do raccoons revert to the wild and become mean? A: No, do you? Q: Why, then, are there so many tales of raccoons 'turning' ? A: Humans misinterpret the signs of sexual maturation during mating season. For differing reasons, both sexes are prone to aggression during mating season. Once it is over, we return to being your loving pet until next year.
Q: Must extreme measures be taken to protect a house from a raccoon? A: Not really. If your house can withstand the onslaught of an active two year old that can climb sheer walls, it's probably safe from me.
Q: Should there be multiple raccoons in a house? A: Probably not. As an adult, I'm inclined to be a solitary animal, and I don't like to share. Q: Do 'coons get fleas? A: Yes. We get both cat and dog fleas, which are different. Use pyrethrins in a good program of life-cycle control just as for dogs or cats. Treat the house in preference to putting potentially dangerous chemicals directly on me! Q: Do raccoons have any serious health problems? A: In general, no, but we do tend to become obese if we are allowed. And those that are obese tend to have heart conditions that significantly shorten their lives.
Q: Do raccoons shed? A: Not like a dog or a cat. Once a year in early spring the 'coon's coat "cracks". The dead hair of the winter coat comes out in clumps. In the wild, the den is lined with it to keep the newborns warm. Q: Does a 'coon have to be washed like a dog? A: No, I'll groom my own coat, thank you - like a cat. Some of us may enjoy joining you in the bath, but most don't like getting water on their backs. Q: Does a raccoon know it's name? A: I'm insulted, of course I know my name and as many other words as you teach me. Q: Does a raccoon come when called? A: Usually, at least until I find out what you want. Q: What is the ideal age to acquire a pet raccoon? A: Mine or yours? The raccoon should be 6 to 8 weeks old and not yet weaned. If you do the weaning, it seems to create a firmer fond between the two. Q:. Can an adult raccoon be turned into a pet? A: Yes, but it's difficult. In the instances where I've known it to happen, the raccoon is more independent and less affectionate than one who 's been bottle fed from a baby. Q: Should children and raccoons be raised together? A: This is a personal decision. I've known of a family that raised 2 children and 3 raccoons, a squirrel, a cat and two dogs together successfully. You have to assume that at some point the children will be bitten by the pet raccoon. This probably precludes the children from entertaining friends in the home.
