Raccoons
- The raccoon's scientific name, Procyon lotor, means "washer dog" although
it is a closer relative to the bear family.
- Population densities of raccoons in urban areas can be 20 times higher than
for raccoons in rural environments.
- Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. They purr, whistle, growl,
hiss, scream and even whinny.
- Raccoons have been kept as pets (President Coolidge and his wife had one
named Rebecca), and while young, seem happy to be in human company. As they
mature, especially during mating season, they can become increasingly
destructive and aggressive.
- A raccoon's hands are so nimble they can
unlace a shoe, unlatch a cage and deftly retrieve coins as thin as dimes from
your shirt pocket.
it is a closer relative to the bear family.
- Population densities of raccoons in urban areas can be 20 times higher than
for raccoons in rural environments.
- Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. They purr, whistle, growl,
hiss, scream and even whinny.
- Raccoons have been kept as pets (President Coolidge and his wife had one
named Rebecca), and while young, seem happy to be in human company. As they
mature, especially during mating season, they can become increasingly
destructive and aggressive.
- A raccoon's hands are so nimble they can
unlace a shoe, unlatch a cage and deftly retrieve coins as thin as dimes from
your shirt pocket.