Question 2 of 21

Where can the raccoon be found?

... It is found in the Western Hemisphere, from the southern regions of Canada to Paraguay.

Question 3 of 21

What is the most distinctive feature of the raccoon?

... It has a ringed tail and black circles around its eyes, giving it the appearance of wearing a mask.

Question 4 of 21

How long is the raccoon?

... It ranges from 25 to 30 inches (64 to 89 cm) in length.

Question 5 of 21

What is the weight of an adult raccoon?

... The common raccoon can weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kg).

Question 6 of 21

What color is the guard hair of the fur?

... The fur has long, coarse guard hair in varying shades of gray, with black tips.

Question 7 of 21

What is unusual about its tail?

... The short bushy tail is gray or yellowish and has black rings around it.

Question 8 of 21

What makes a raccoon look bigger than it really is?

... It appears bigger than it is because of its thick fur.

Question 9 of 21

In what respect are raccoons regarded as pests to farmers?

... They eat poultry, grain and fruit, which tends to annoy farmers.

Question 10 of 21

Is there any way they can be of benefit to a farmer?

... They can help rid the farm of mice and rats.

Question 11 of 21

How many young are there usually in a raccoon's litter?

... In the spring a raccoon gives birth to a litter of three to six young.

Question 12 of 21

What is the life expectancy of the raccoon?

... Raccoons live to be 10 to 12 years old.

Question 13 of 21

What is a coon-skin cap?

... It was a hat made by American pioneers from the fur of a raccoon with the tail hanging down in the back.

Question 14 of 21

Who is the worst enemy of the raccoon?

... Hunters and dogs are the worst enemies of the raccoon.

Question 15 of 21

How can raccoons escape enemies they cannot outrun?

... Their sharp claws help them to be good tree climbers.

Question 16 of 21

How is the crab-eating raccoon different from the North American raccoon?

... Apart from eating crabs, the crab-eating raccoon is semi-aquatic, spending a lot of its time in the water.

Question 17 of 21

There are small concentrations of raccoons in certain parts of Europe. How did they get there?

... About 60 years ago raccoons were taken to Europe and Asia to be put in zoos or to be bred for fur. Some were released and some escaped.

Question 18 of 21

How does a raccoon build a home?

... The raccoon is not a builder. It looks for empty places in tree trunks, caves, attics, barns and sewers.

Question 19 of 21

What is special about the forepaws of a raccoon?

... The feet have long toes that resemble fingers, enabling the raccoon to hold things almost as well as a monkey.

Question 20 of 21

Are raccoons fussy eaters?

... Not really, they eat just about anything they hunt or find

Question 21 of 21

How social are raccoons?

... Most raccoons are loners. The male lives with a female only for the mating season and hits the road long before the female gives birth.