The raccoon is a medium-sized, stocky animal with a prominent black “mask” across the eyes, a long bushy tail with black rings, broad head, pointed muzzle and short pointed ears. Their color ranges from gray to reddish brown to buff, to almost black. Both front and back paws have 5 toes. Front paws resemble human hands and are very dexterous, enabling the raccoon to grasp tightly and open mussels or other interesting items (like garbage cans). Adults weight ranges from 6 to 25 pounds. Their lifespan is around 5 years in the wild.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal. They prefer to live in tree hollows, abandoned buildings, barns, abandoned woodchuck burrows, haystacks and your attic. Raccoons do not hibernate, but may “hole up” for a few days during inclement winter weather. They put on a tremendous amount of weight prior to winter. In the wild, they may lose up to 50% of their weight during the winter months, when food is scarce. Raccoons are agile climbers and good swimmers, and are capable of drowning predators and prey. They prefer to run or hide when confronted, but will fight vicously when cornered.

Amazingly tough and dexterous, raccoons are capable of doing incredible damage (we describe them to customers as ‘four-legged Green Berets with chainsaws’). Adults mostly live solitary lives, but large groups will live in the same area where there is abundant food, such as easily-obtained garbage. They also have a complex range of vocalizations and body language that serves as communication among the species. Some raccoons may be seen dipping their food in water before eating. It is speculated that wetting their feet  increases tactile sensitivity, or the ability to feel the food. Another theory is that food tastes better when wet. Raccoons may rely more on touch than on sight with regards to food. Their sense of smell is extremely acute.

Geographic Range:

Raccoons may be found in the Southern half of Canada throughout the U.S., Mexico and Central America. In Missouri, the raccoon is found in urban, suburban and wooded area, attesting to its ability to adapt to having humans in its backyard.
 

Food Preferences:

Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic. In most habitats, plants provide the bulk of the diet, such as wild grapes, persimmons, cherries, plums, apples, acorns and other nuts. Corn is taken from fields. Other entrees include crayfish, fish, rodents, frogs, bird eggs, snakes, birds, small rabbits, various insects and worms. Bird feeders provide some sustenance. Scavenging through garbage cans and dumpsters seems a favorite for the more urbanized raccoons.
 

Enemies:

Humans, automobiles, dogs, ticks, fleas, parasitic worms, distemper, tuberculosis, rabies and Parvovirus. Owls and coyotes will go after the young.

Do not handle raccoon droppings with bare hands.

It is important that people know how dangerous raccoon stool is if the raccoon is infected with the Baylisascaris roundworm. This is a common parasite of raccoons; some areas of the country have a 70 to 100 percent prevalence rate in raccoons.

This parasite has an affinity for brain tissue, and that includes human brain tissue. Whats worse, the microscopic eggs that are the infective stage can live in the environment for possibly 10 years or more. Because children are the most likely people to touch the tainted surface and then put their hands in their mouths, they are the most likely to be infected.

No chemical will kill the parasite eggs. They are also very resistant to environmental degradation. Raccoon feces should be treated as hazardous waste, you should use gloves, double-bag the stool and dispose of it in the garbage. Use boiling water on the areas where the stool touched it in order to kill the eggs.

Some information obtained from:

Centers for Disease Control

http://www.cdc.gov/NCIDOD/DPD/PARASITES/baylisascaris/factsht_baylisascaris.htm