About
Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Native to North America, it has adapted to a variety of environments including waterside areas and has been introduced and established in places such as Europe and Japan. It has hand-like grasping ability, is nocturnal, and rests in tree cavities or nests at the bases of trees. Omnivorous, it eats fruit, insects, amphibians, small mammals, fish, and human food waste, and can cause damage to crops. Breeding occurs in spring; gestation is about two months and typically produces 3–7 offspring. Generally solitary, females sometimes gather, and as an introduced species there are concerns about impacts on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. Conservation status: Least Concern.
