When I composed the first post regarding raccoons and their interesting details, I was not under the impression that the topic would remain relevant for three separate posts. However, as it turns out, raccoons are far more interesting than most of us give them credit for, and while I may be isolated in my stance on the matter, I will defend these beauties to the furthest extent possible.
If you would rather not learn about raccoons, please feel no obligation to continue reading.
For those of you still present, allow me to assert that you are my type of people, and now we can once again visit the topic of raccoons. This information comes from treehugger.com.
“6. They Are Very Handy
“Raccoons have five toes on their front and back paws. Their forepaws are particularly dexterous and actually look and work like slender human hands.7 ‘Procyon lotor: Guadeloupe raccoon.’ Animal Diversity Web. They use their nimble finger-like toes to hold and manipulate food, as well as a range of objects, including latches, lids, jars, boxes, and doorknobs. That’s why they seem to be able to get into pretty much anywhere and are easily able to lift the tops off garbage cans and open all sorts of containers.
“7. They Stick to Themselves
“Raccoons are mostly solitary animals. As nocturnal creatures, they rarely venture out during the daytime, and they try to stay close to their den, only (travelling) far enough to get what they need to eat and drink.
“Occasionally, groups of female raccoons spend time together, but each female will split off from the group when it’s time to breed and raise her young. Females stay with their babies (called kits) until they’re about one year old. Males may stay with the female for up to one month before breeding, then depart after the birth of their young.7
“8. They Face Few Threats
“Although so many animal populations have been diminished because of human urbanization and growth, raccoons have readily adapted to living alongside people. According to the IUCN, the Northern raccoon is a species of ‘least concern,’ and its population numbers are rising.3
“While there are no major threats to the survival of raccoons, they do face dangers. They are hunted for sport and trapped for their fur. In suburban locations and near water, raccoons are one of the more frequent victims of roadkill.8 Additionally, raccoons are often hunted, trapped, and poisoned by homeowners and farmers who consider them a pest. In other human environments, they’re considered pest control, like in the San Diego Zoo, where they help manage rodent populations,” the web page states.
Thanks for sticking around and learning more about these creatures, friends.
Photo by Chris Ensminger on Unsplash
