Raccoons

With their bandit's mask and ringed tail, raccoons are one of Bear Valley's most charismatic and recognizable species, even if they aren't frequently seen due to their nocturnal habits.  Raccoons are one of the few wild species that appears to have benefited from contact with humans, and they have adapted remarkably well to life in rural communities.

The adult raccoon may be as long as a small dog - 3 feet from nose to end of tail - but weigh much less.  Average adult males are 10-15 lbs. while femails are slightly smaller at 6-12 lbs.  In especially cold climates, or where humans overfeed them, raccoons may be a good deal heavier, even exceeding 60 lbs.

At least as intelligent as cats or dogs, raccoons possess far greater manual dexterity as well as a highly developed sense of touch.  In fact, the word "raccoon" is derived from arakun, an Algonquin word meaning "he scratches with his hands."  It was once thought that raccoons' familiar "washing" of foods demonstrated hygienic instincts.  But in truth, raccoons don't wash everything they eat.  They manipulate food, dunking and soaking it when water is available and so appear to be washing it.  However, when water is not convenient, they use many of the same motions in handling food.  The behavior probably more accurately reflects a need to tactually experience things than it does to clean them.

The raccoon's diet is highly varied.  Mainstays include fruits, vegetables and acorns; earthworms, fish and other aquatic animals (such as crayfish) are eaten when available.  Raccoons aren't particularly effective hunters, but they'll eat small animals like birds, amphibians and mice when the opportunity arises.  Their appetite for foods such as grapes and sweet corn often leads to conflicts with home gardeners.

Raccoons are usually active at night and by day they retire to dens or resting sites.  Dens are made above ground in tree cavities, chimneys and attics, as well as underground in old woodchuck burrows, storm sewers or crawl spaces under buildings.  When they feel secure enough, raccoons may simply lie in thickets or swamps on open ground.

Raccoons generally give birth to three to five young from early spring to early summer.  Cubs are weaned at about 2 months, but they may remail with their mother through their first winter.

The raccoon is one of four wild animals in the United States  considered to be a primary carrier of the rabies virus.  Despite the concern and fear surrounding rabies, advances in public education, vaccination of pets, and post-exposure treatment have greatly reduced the risk to humans.