Raccoon (Coon, Ringtail) Procyon lotor

 Members of this family are of medium size, about that of a small dog. They have 5 toes on each foot with no retractile claws, and walk on entire foot. Tail has distinct yellowish-white rings. 

 Identification: Head and body 18-28 in.; tail 8-12 in. wt. 12-35 lb. Often seen dead along highway. Body pepper-and-salt mixture. May be recognized by black mask over eyes and alternating rings of yellowish white and black on tail. Skull has 40 teeth. 

Similar species: (1) Ringtail has a slender body and the tail is as long or longer than head and body. (2) In the Coati the tail is a s long as head and body and is indistinctly ringed.

Habitat: Along streams and lake borders near wooded areas or rock cliffs.

Habits: Chiefly nocturnal, but occasionally abroad during day. Feeds mostly along streams and lakes; omnivorous; eats fruits, nuts, grains, insects, frogs, crayfish, bird eggs-anything available; may dunk food in ware before eating. Dens up in hollow trees, hollow logs, rock crevices, or ground burrows during cold spells in North, but does not hibernate. Home range up to 2 mi. across, normally less than 1 mi. young known to disperse up to 165 mi. from birth place, mostly less than 30 mi. Recorded population of 1 per acre to 1 per 15 acres (considered high) Captives live to 14 years. Voice variable. A low twittering sound from the mother assures young, but growls and snarls denote anger. Some females mate 1^st year; mate Feb-March in North, early South.

Young: Born April or May; 2-7, average 4; gestation period 63 days; 1 litter a year; wt. 2½ oz. Eyes open in about 3 weeks. Abroad with mother at 2 months; leave mother in fall.

Economic status: May damage roasting-ear corn and raid poultry yards; for many, value of pelts and pleasure of seeing them in the wild outweighs harm done; meat edible.