Raccoons are easily recognizable by their black face mask and ringed tail. And there are many fascinating things about this intelligent nocturnal species. So we’ve compiled some of the best raccoon pictures to show you just how amazing and unique they are.
Raccoon Face
One of the most distinctive physical characteristics of the raccoon is its face. And in particular, the black markings around its eyes make it look like it’s wearing a bandit mask. It is believed that this helps reduce glare, therefore, improving its night vision.
Raccoon Washing Food
An interesting raccoon fact is that this species likes to douse or wash its food. They do this by dunking it in the water and then rolling it around in their front paws. In suburban areas where there are no streams, ponds, or lakes, a raccoon may use a swimming pool to clean its food.
Cute Raccoon
Raccoons are very cute when they’re young. This is often the reason people take them in when they find them abandoned or when their mother has been killed by a vehicle. However, despite their adorable fluffy appearance, even baby raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies.
Therefore if you find one of these cute little guys in need of help you’ll want to contact animal control or a permitted wildlife rehabilitator to make sure they get the best care possible. Also, remember that in many places it is illegal to possess a raccoon for any reason.
Raccoon Hands
Raccoon paws look very similar to human hands except they don’t actually have an opposable thumb. These paws are agile and often help them to open doors, unscrew jars, and get into trash bins. They are also very sensitive since the raccoon heavily relies on its sense of touch.
Raccoon In Trash
The raccoon is famous for its habit of raiding trash cans and causing a huge mess for homeowners. To help prevent these well-known backyard pests from getting into your garbage you’ll want to choose trash cans with locking lids. Although keeping them in a closed garage or secure area would be even better.
Raccoons In The Attic
It’s not uncommon for raccoons to nest in attics. Unfortunately, they can do a lot of costly damage when trying to get in and once they are inside. Raccoons are not houseguests you want. In addition to carrying diseases, their waste can also carry parasites such as roundworms that can be passed on to humans.
Baby Raccoon
Normally raccoons give birth from two to five babies in a litter. The babies are born with their masks however they are both deaf and blind for several weeks afterward. Baby raccoons are called kits or cubs and live in the den with their mother for the first two months of their lives.
Raccoon Dog
The raccoon dog is not a raccoon or a dog. This close relative of the fox gets its name because it looks like a raccoon. It has a very similar black mask and markings on its fur. It’s also similar in size and like the raccoon is nocturnal. The raccoon dog is native to Eastern Asia including Japan.
Young Raccoon
When a raccoon is around twelve weeks it usually will start to roam but is not yet ready to leave its mother. However, at anywhere from eight to twelve months a juvenile raccoon will become much more independent and eventually move off on its own.
Pet Raccoon
While some people do keep raccoons as pets, this is a species that’s better left in the wild. The raccoon is not a domesticated animal and is known for being very difficult to teach commands. They can also cause expensive damage in a home and typically become also aggressive around the mating season. In many places keeping a raccoon as a pet is illegal while in others an exotic pet permit is required.
Raccoon Removal
There are quite a few situations that raccoons get themselves into that require them to be humanely trapped and removed. This is often the case when they get into places such as attics, garages, and chimneys.
Because they do like to eat pond fish backyard pond owners may have them removed as well. However, in certain situations deterrents such as an alligator decoy, motion sensor sprinkler, or motion sensor lights can be effective without having to actually trap and relocate the animal.
White Raccoon
Albino raccoons are born without pigmentation which means they are white with pink eyes. Unfortunately, they typically don’t live long after birth since it’s much easier for predators to spot them. An albino raccoon is incredibly rare. In fact other than in raccoon pictures you have a better chance of being struck by lightning than actually seeing one in the wild. It’s estimated that only 1 in 750,000 raccoons is born albino.
Start Shopping for Raccoon Deterrents!
Crow Symbolism: Everything You Need To Know
Ever wondered why the crow has captured the imagination of so many cultures throughout history? Let's embark on a fascinating journey through the world of crow symbolism, unraveling its mysteries and discovering its significance across various cultures, religions, and...
Creepy Facts About Crows
Crows are highly intelligent birds that have thrived alongside us humans. However, while they are fascinating creatures, at the same time, there are many things about them that many people find quite unsettling. That being said here as some of the most creepy facts...
Why Are Crows So Loud?
As anyone who has heard their loud "caws," can tell you, crows are very noisy birds. In fact, they are considered one of the loudest of all bird species. But why are crows so loud? Read on to find out. The Importance Of Vocalizations Crows use vocalizations to pass on...
Do Crows Remember Faces?
Crows are known for their intelligence. But do crows remember faces? You bet they do! Here's what you'll want to know. Crow Intelligence Crows are brilliant birds. In fact, their level of intelligence is often compared to that of primates. They are so smart that they...
Why Are Crows Black?
American crows are birds with all-black plumage. But why are crows black? Well, there are several reasons. Read on to find out. Bird Color Basics Birds are some of the most colorful creatures on the planet. And they come in an amazing range of colors from white to...
Are All Crows Black?
When it comes to crows, most people are familiar with the image of a sleek-looking solid black bird. But are all crows black? No, they aren't. Here's what you'll want to know. The American Crow Is Not All Crows The American crow is found throughout most of North...
How Long Do Crows Live?
How long do crows live? That's one of the many questions people ask about these familiar all-black birds. Here's what you'll want to know about the lifespan of crows and what affects it. How Long Do Crows Live In The Wild? In the wild American crows have a lifespan of...
Enemies Of Crows
Crows are a common sight in many parts of the world. However, most of us don't realize that these distinctive jet-black birds face a range of threats even when they are in our own backyards. The following are the main enemies of crows. Natural Predators of Crows One...
Predators of Crows
In many places, crows are such a common sight that it can be easy to forget that they actually have many predators. And being "on the menu," for a range of other animals is actually why these birds are so wary. That being said, here is everything you'll want to know...
Are Crows Territorial?
Are crows territorial? The answer is yes. However, just how territorial they are can depend on several factors. Here’s what you’ll need to know. Territoriality In Birds Territoriality is the behavioral trait of defending and maintaining a specific area territory...
What Eats Crows?
Crows are large and highly intelligent birds that eat a wide variety of foods including many other animals. So, what eats crows? Here are the most common crow predators and what you’ll want to know about them. Birds Of Prey The birds of prey are a group of predatory...
Are Crows Friendly?
Crows are commonly seen, and heard, in close proximity to us in our towns and cities. But are crows friendly? The answer may surprise you. Crows Are Highly Social Birds Crows are social birds that live in family groups. And they are well known for forming close bonds...
Do Crows Mate For Life?
Do crows mate for life? Yes, they do. And this behavior is highly advantageous to them. Here's what you'll want to know. How Do Crows Attract A Mate? Crows are social birds; most of the year, they live in small family groups. During the breeding season, however,...
Birds With Talons
All birds have claws. However, only a few types have the scary-looking and dagger-sharp claws called, “talons”. So here are the birds with talons and what you’ll want to know about each of them. What Are Talons? Talons are the claws of a group of predatory birds known...
Birds With Tails
Just like birds themselves, birds’ tails come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. And some tails of course are more interesting and remarkable than others. The following are birds with tails that never fail to impress! Long-Tailed Tit The long-tailed tit, also known...
Birds With White Heads
There's no doubt about it, birds with white heads really stand out. From small to large they are quite a unique bunch. So here are some of the most fascinating white-headed birds and what you'll want to know about them White-Headed Vulture The white-headed vulture is...
Birds That Look Like Flamingos
Flamingos are wading birds with long necks and legs. These social birds live in groups and have strongly hooked downward-facing beaks which they use to feed on shrimp and other small water creatures. And they are famous for their stunning pink color. With such a...
How To Attract Owls To Your Yard
Owls are nocturnal birds of prey that can be extremely helpful when it comes to controlling rodent populations in a natural way. That is of course if you can attract them to your property by creating an owl-friendly habitat. So keep reading to find out how to attract...
Why Would A Swan Be Alone?
It's widely known that swans are incredibly social and romantic creatures, so it can be disconcerting when you encounter a solitary swan. However, there are several reasons why this might be. So why would a swan be alone? Here's what you'll want to know. But first,...
How To Attract Crows To Your Yard
Crows aren’t always pests as many people believe. In fact, these super smart birds can actually help to rid your property of many common backyard and garden pests themselves. So here’s your step-by-step guide on how to attract crows to your yard! Step 1. Create A...