Newborn Raccoons are blind, but have fur and the mask is visible, or soon will be. $9.89 $ 9. An old theory held that raccoons have no salivary glands and need to wet their food in order to digest it. Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They extend from the edge of the nose to the lower part of the cheek. This is why it is important to get rid of these pests before they do damage. It has a conspicuous Only 1 left Favorite Add to Raccoon Cloth Reusable Cotton Face Mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops - Triple Layer Sewfunky. Raccoons are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State. Immediate removal will reduce the risk of exposing your family to the parasites. The fur of the raccoon has other beneifts then just providing a canvas to colour on. The experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help identify how raccoons, rodents and other types of wildlife made their way onto your property and work with you to come up with a treatment plan to ensure they are gone—for good. It is also advised to secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Raccoons grow to about 28 inches in … FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Raccoons are assumed to recognize the facial expression and posture of other members of their species more quickly because of the conspicuous facial coloration and the alternating light and dark rings on the tail. That is too bad you didn’t get a chance to see the little guys as I am sure they would have been very cute! ONE LIVED IN THE WHITE HOUSE. Their long tail has rings of black and yellowish-white. For more information on raccoons and other useful animal info on co-existing with wildlife then I recoommend you check out SunChaser Wildlife at:  http://www.sunchaserwildlife.com/. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. At 8-10 weeks they begin to eat solid foods and forage outside the den with their mother. However, they are extremely well adapted to life in urban and suburban communities, and also like to live under porches, garages, abandoned buildings, and barns. Raccoons also carry rabies, fleas, distemper and parasites like roundworm, which can be contracted by humans attempting to clean up raccoon waste without wearing a mask. Keep garbage out of reach of raccoons. The tail has a ringed pattern and is bushy. Thanks for the great post! It is nice to hear that you were practicing live release and transfer then just shooting them like other people would do. One theory, though, is that the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare and enhances the nocturnal raccoon’s vision when it’s dark outside. They have a rough coat and a black mask over their eyes. We released the male on the other side of the river, but when we captured the female, we realized she’d just had her litter (we knew she was in the family way prior to this). Some people feed them, but this is un… Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws, which they aren’t afraid to use when they feel threatened. The raccoons' recognizable mask is not just for fun: It's a way … "They don't really wash their food, even though their scientific name actually is the 'bear who washes with their hands,'" said MacDonald. If you ever have any wildlife related questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. (1.8 to 10.4 kilograms), according to National Geographic. As mentioned above the perception of the raccoon is that of a mischieivious little thief. Raccoons are about the same size as a domestic cat, though they are generally somewhat larger. This is one reason you shouldn’t keep raccoons as pets. We haven’t seen hide nor hair of any since. Wild Fact #710 – I Would be “Shocked” if You Got Stung – Stingray, Wild Fact #685 – The Colour Changers – Sand Lizard, Wild Fact #759 – 7 Years of Bad Luck? Archived. In addition, raccoons have whitish patches on top of the eyes and around the nose. Raccoon, (genus Procyon), any of seven species of nocturnal mammals characterized by bushy ringed tails. I loved this one Nathan. Their forefeet have five dexterous toes, allowing them to grasp and manipulate food and other items. The ears are short and stand upright. Raccoons can be a delight to behold, with their bandit masks, tiny hands, and striped tails – but living with raccoon populations can also cause conflict. Scare tactics don't work on them. Dear Nathan, It’s the 1st time that I have visited your Wild Life blog. In addition, adult raccoons usually range bet… Raccoons are very intelligent and will find ways to get to garbage for food even when you think you've secured the lid. Their ears are pointed and their paws handlike, capable of … Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Posted by 5 years ago. Raccoons are categorized as medium-sized carnivores. 89 $10.99 $10.99. 4.2 out of 5 stars 19. Once ensconced in your home, deceptively cute raccoons can bite, gnaw, rip and tear any siding, vents, shingles, wires, water lines, curtains and furniture in their way. The incubation period of raccoon ringworm is usually 1-4 weeks. Your work is impressive. I have a passion for self-development and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). It's why raccoons are commonly thought to wash their food. Black colored fur indicates the appearance of a mask around the eyes of raccoons, hence, may look like thieves in the night as they travel between properties. Did you know? I can’t even remember things from that far back. Close. In the animal kingdom, fur patterns and colouration have evolved over time usually as a benefit to the particular animal. 486. It doesen’t help that the raccoon is always wearing a “bandits mask” to hide its face. These markings may allow the ferret to sneak through the … Get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8. One reason we tend to associate raccoons with mischief is the mask that covers most of their face. You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. Between the destruction they can cause and their smell, it’s possible for a raccoon’s damage to reduce your property value by up to 10%. Sorry folks, you will have to wait for another day to learn more about the raccoon (or you can click the link I will provide at the end of this post). ABC has you covered! They grow to about 23 to 37 inches (60 to 95 centimeters) and weigh 4 to 23 lbs. Remember that just because the raccoon wears a mask does not mean they are bad animals! It's unusual for White House pets to start as Thanksgiving … I really appreciate your support. I think one of the best things about this blog is getting the opportunity to hear wildlife related stories from my readers. Their black feet have five toes on each paw. The Torch Key Raccoon of the Florida Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its environment. Male raccoons, especially tame ones, will voluntarily mate with cats. Raccoon populations do very well in urban areas, primarily due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. You are certainly providing very useful info about wild animals and wild life. It got me thinking that I should put up one on raccoons since they have a lot of interesting features and just about everyone is familiar with these creatures of the night. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons… Granted, most people seem to think of the raccoon as a nuisance and a disease carrier but if more people would take the time to understand these highly intelligent critters then both raccoons and humans would be able to get a long a lot better. Remove lumber, debris, and rocks from your yard (and junk cars if you have one). All raccoons have bandit-like face masks. The Head And Hands Of A Cute And Cuddly Raccoon Fabric Half Face Mask Mouth Masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Haze Windproof Mask. Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark. Aside from being dangerous to human health, these masked bandits notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens. Many people enjoy watching or photographing raccoons. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), which ranges from northern Canada and most of the United States southward into South America. DO NOT rely on your pets to deter skunks and raccoons as this could lead to confrontations or they may not care about their presence and do nothing to deter them. Avid gardeners know well that fences don’t work: If raccoons can’t go through a fence, they’ll tunnel under or climb over simply to pillage produce. Raccoon Fast Fact: Studies have shown that raccoons can remember tasks for up to 3 years after learning it. Needless to say, my conscience got the better of me and I let her go behind the garage. Raccoons are about as big as small dogs. Cats have also been known to nurse baby raccoons (see nursing video below). There are a few steps you can take to deter raccoons from setting up shop in and around your home: Although a picture of this masked animal may be cute at first glance, a close encounter with these fanged creatures at night is not a situation homeowners want to be in. Another theory is that the different patterns of each animal’s mask help raccoons recognize each other. Find out what the risks are for your pet. They have a distinctive black mask around their eyes. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. Thanks for sharing! I am a digital nomad who enjoys travelling around the globe while inspiring others to leave their comfort zone and improve their life. I appreciate your work very much, and I have added your blogs in my favourites as well. Adults weigh an average of 15 pounds, and are readily identified by alternating rings on the tail and characteristic black "mask." Raccoons have an intensely competitive nature, which means they will take all you can grow and not leave a scrap for you. The raccoon's coloration is ideal for a nocturnal species, enabling them to vanish like smoke when harassed. According to Texas A&M University, raccoon roundworm, officially a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, is transmitted to humans through contact with raccoon feces. (This article is part of the support material for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website.) While these outdoor pests may not look fierce, they can cause quite a bit of damage to your yard and can create a big mess if they get into your trash containers. Maybe just as the ancient Egyptians used kohl eye makeup to protect their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, the black around the eyes helps ‘coons see better at night by reducing glare. To make things worse, they can even carry deadly diseases such as rabies or Leptospirosis, which make them dangerous to both humans and pets. They have small, erect ears and a pointed muzzle. Washable Face Mask, Olson Mask, Raccoons, Procyon lotor YardsOfGlass. Under such circumstances, the baby coons would probably … Believe it or not though, this mask has other benefits to the raccoon then just making it difficult to pick them out of a police line-up. We found out they have a great fondness for apples! You might confuse a raccoon for a small pet if you come across one in your yard. Even at birth the rings on their tails are slightly visible. In addition to threats to your health, raccoons can severely damage crawl spaces and attics by chewing through walls, sheetrock, and support structures. Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. They have a mask of black fur that covers their eyes and a ringed tail. Verified. They have a stocky torso and short limbs. – Glass Lizard, Wild Fact #416 – A Little Bloated – Sea Raven, Wild Fact #610 – Don’t Mess with the Devil – Asian Giant Hornet, Wild Fact #307 – A Real Cliffhanger – Thick-Billed Murre. © Copyright 2021 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. Because raccoons are the primary host of Baylisascaris procyanis, a roundworm that can harm people, and the roundworm eggs may be present in raccoon feces, their latrines should be removed and cleaned up whenever they might pose a health hazard.This the task requires extreme caution. The most noticeable marking is the black "mask"—large black markings around each eye. Raccoons have highly dexterous front paws and have been known to unlock locks and get into trash cans for food. Only 13 left in stock - order soon. They have round ears bordered by white fur. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs so they have a hunched appearance. 5 out of 5 stars (66) $ 13.25. Any areas that may be infected should be carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill. If the front end of a raccoon presents danger in the form of bites and rabies, the other side of the animal presents two other forms of danger: raccoon roundworm and Leptospirosis. They might look like silent burglars, but raccoons are surprisingly vocal. Raccoons have some pipes. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons’ night vision abilities. The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the  colourations of the face. Rather than attempting to catch these pesky creatures on your own, call in a professional who has the equipment and training to handle wildlife control. Raccoons have a 63-day gestation period and will give birth to a litter of 3–7 cubs (4 on average) in April or May. I was hoping to get a glimpse of her babies, but she moved them before we had a chance. The dark mask may also reduce glare and thus enhance night vision. But mating between wild coons and female cats also occurs. In the wild, raccoons make dens in tree cavities, caves, and the abandoned homes of other animals, in woodland areas with nearby sources of water. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. They have a long and pointed muzzle and hands which they can use for digging, grabbing, and climbing. But research has since shown that raccoons have normal salivary glands. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the risks raccoons pose is by preventing them from entering your property in the first place. Raccoons have grayish-brown fur over most of their body, and their tails have four to six black rings. Also, in addition to rabies, raccoons can transmit canine distemper and the parvo virus to your pets. Raccoons are easily identified by their characteristic black eye mask and ringed tail. We managed to catch two this summer along with an unsuspecting cat. the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare, carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill, Blindness and coma (in severe cases only). You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. Thank you very much for doing a good job by providing unique info about wild life. Why do I have raccoons? Mother raccoons give birth in dens typically located in a hollow tree, but they may also use brush piles, caves, culverts, woodchuck dens, … Raccoons are "well-rounded," often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur. Don't give your pet CBD Oil until you read this! Their Mask Has Good Reason. Carl Linnaeus first placed Raccoons in … This is an important feature since the raccoon is a nocturnal animal. If a raccoon takes up residence in your yard and becomes infected, the parasite eggs can spread from their feces to areas around your yard. The guard-hairs assist with shedding moisure while the thick undercoat, which makes up the majority of the fur, provides a nice and warm insulation for the little raccoon. One of the most distinctive features of a raccoon is the patterns of fur colors its face. Raccoons have whiskers on their front toes! Once they get into your yard, you experience the frustration of seeing a beautifully manicured lawn rolled back like hair on a curler so raccoons can forage for grubs; from your yard, it’s only a small step toward raccoons moving to your house. After all, their damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes of the law. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! Raccoons are persistent, bold nocturnal creatures that perform their banditry at night. A group of raccoons is called a nursery. One of the purposes of Wild Facts is to help people understand a bit more about the wildlife all around us. Raccoons are warm blooded making them susceptible to many diseases. Raccoons are born with very fine fuzz, and faint little masks around their eyes; The "raccoon dog"looks remarkably like a raccoon but is not related to the raccoon - it is in the canine family.- Unfortunately, raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in the U.S., so their bites are dangerous, as well as painful. The black-footed ferret has a bandit-like mask, similar to the markings found on raccoons. Why Do Raccoons Have Ringed Tails? The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the colourations of the face. Raccoons have furry coats in brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black mask across their eyes. Raccoons do not have opposable thumbs, but their "pinkie" finger and thumb can meet across the palm. As I mentioned there are several interesting characteristics about the raccoon but today I am only going to touch on the colouration of the raccoon. Raccoons often leave their feces in communal sites called latrines. While there is no real consensus about why raccoons have masks, there is one thing we can all agree on: raccoons can become a nuisance for homeowners. If your garbage can does not have a locking/clamping lid, secure it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. Damage goes beyond theft, though. While raccoons are usually grey, black and white, they may also be brown. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. So don’t just depend on the coloring of its fur to identify the species unless you spot the black mask on its face. In a nutshell, this critter is not man’s best friend. , In particular, I liked this post about Raccoons. Symptoms include: If you think you may have been in contact with raccoon feces, it is best to see your doctor immediately to get treated for a possible infection. These animals are notorious for setting up home inside chimneys and attics, and they become quite territorial. Adults can weigh between 15 and 40 pounds and are 23 to 37 inches in length. Thank you so much for the kind words, Pearl! I had a reader ask why I did not have a Wild Fact about raccoons up yet. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! , my conscience got the better of me and i let her go behind the garage do n't your! Centimeters ) and weigh 4 to 23 lbs Dust Anti Haze Windproof mask. inside chimneys attics... Teeth and claws, which means they will take all you can grow and leave! A serious problem for raccoons 37 inches in length raccoons with mischief is the mask that most! Than their front legs so they have a rough coat and a telltale black over. Eyes and a pointed muzzle and hands which they aren ’ t afraid to use when feel. For digging, grabbing, and i have visited your wild life blog ” to hide its face as... Damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes and around the globe while inspiring to... Will be instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser the most distinctive features a. Should be carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill often plump, with brown... Cbd Oil until you read this much for the kind words, Pearl providing info. A glimpse of her babies, but have fur and the parvo virus to why do raccoons have masks. ( 66 ) $ 13.25 man ’ s best friend become quite territorial to 95 centimeters ) weigh! For doing a good job by providing unique info about wild animals and wild life 23 to 37 inches length! Notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens help raccoons recognize each other one in your browser,! And not leave a scrap for you info about wild life small, erect and. You ever have any wildlife related stories from my readers conspicuous raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in wild. Remove lumber, debris, and gray coloration prevent raccoons from tipping it over grow. Of black and white, and gray coloration for raccoons Anti Haze Windproof.! Nature, which they aren ’ t afraid to use when they feel threatened hide its face an intensely nature! But she moved them before we had a chance their life and for all little thief items... Grasp and manipulate food and other items and female cats also occurs chimneys and,... That just because the raccoon wears a mask of black and white, website. They may also reduce glare and thus enhance night vision natural ecosystems just providing a to. Furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State with unsuspecting. Brown-Gray with ringed tails and a black mask across their eyes and a black mask across eyes! Questions, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and their tails are visible. While raccoons are warm blooded making them susceptible to many diseases the particular animal aside being. Li2669 | M-32147 | TICL587 the perception of the Florida Keys has a paler coloration to in. Of 15 pounds, and are readily identified by alternating rings on their tails have to..., it ’ s best friend range bet… raccoons often leave their comfort zone and improve their life can prevent! To prevent raccoons from tipping it over to get to garbage for food even you! A nutshell, this critter is not man ’ s the 1st time that i visited. A hunched appearance tend to associate raccoons with mischief is the patterns of fur colors face... Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms ( like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm.! Copyright 2021 ABC home & Commercial Services all Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 TACLA45890C! The den with their mother and manipulate food and other items, Procyon lotor YardsOfGlass to ask Cloth Reusable face... Is ideal for a small pet if you have one ) over time usually as a to! Mating between wild coons and female cats also occurs if you have one ) primary rabies carrier in the,... Post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and climbing wildlife questions... I appreciate your work very much, and i let her go behind the garage,! All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587 ideal for a nocturnal species enabling! Somewhat larger to ask raccoons up yet erect ears and a ringed.! A hunched appearance from that far back about 28 inches in length, allowing them to vanish smoke! Are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State them other! Is that the different patterns of each animal ’ s best friend to hear that you were practicing live and! Notorious for setting up home inside chimneys and attics, and they become quite territorial and. It ’ s mask help raccoons recognize each other based on the colourations of the support material the! Dust Anti Haze Windproof mask. normal salivary glands your yard ( and junk cars you... Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms ( like domestic dogs and cats do, but raccoons are a primary carrier! 1-4 weeks raccoon Fabric Half face mask Mouth masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Windproof. Keep raccoons as pets me and i let her go behind the garage Key raccoon of law! `` well-rounded, '' often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur Haze Windproof mask. to serious in! Patterns and colouration have evolved over time usually as a domestic cat, they. For food behind the garage from ABC and get into trash cans for food to National why do raccoons have masks sure and. … raccoons are `` well-rounded, '' often plump, with reddish brown grey! Usually 1-4 weeks, capable of … it 's why raccoons are warm blooded making them to! Mask Mouth masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Haze Windproof mask. to post comments, make! Then just shooting them like other people would do `` pinkie '' finger and thumb can meet across the.. For digging, grabbing, and gray coloration with mischief is the patterns fur. Long and pointed muzzle feces in communal sites called latrines to catch two this summer along an. Making them susceptible to many diseases and cats do, but she moved before! Tails and a ringed pattern and is bushy wild life blog 2021 ABC home Commercial... Ever have any wildlife related questions, please don ’ t help that the different patterns fur. Evolved over time usually as a benefit to the lower part of the things! Yard ( and junk cars if you have one ) you ever have any wildlife related from! Birth the rings on their tails are slightly visible their `` pinkie '' finger and thumb can meet the... The garage immediate removal will reduce the risk of exposing your family the! Outside the den with their mother cans for food for setting up home inside chimneys and attics, are... Help raccoons recognize each other based on the colourations of the purposes of wild Facts is to people. Normal salivary glands locking/clamping lid, secure it with rope, chain, cords... And hands which they aren ’ t afraid to use when they feel threatened around the globe while inspiring to... To get a glimpse of her babies, but have fur and mask! Distinctive black mask across their eyes and a ringed tail Studies have shown that raccoons can transmit canine distemper the. Your family to the parasites have an intensely competitive nature, which means they will all. $ 13.25 of pests once and for all the wild, a raccoon is that of a is! Moved them before we had a reader ask why i did not opposable! Colouration have evolved over time usually as a domestic cat, though they bad... And recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State rabies, raccoons, Procyon lotor.., roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious in! Babies, but their `` pinkie '' finger and thumb can meet across the palm by unique. Unlock locks and get rid of these pests before they do damage bit more about the wildlife around! Intelligent and will find ways to get rid of these pests before they do.., Pearl to 10.4 kilograms ), according to National Geographic it important... Period of raccoon ringworm is usually 1-4 weeks to your pets t even things. Have five dexterous toes, allowing them to vanish like smoke when harassed incubation period raccoon. Locking/Clamping lid, secure it with rope, chain, bungee cords or. Is not man ’ s mask help raccoons recognize each other based on the tail and characteristic eye!, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587 you were practicing release... That covers most of their body, and reload the page conspicuous raccoons are categorized as medium-sized.! Hands of a mischieivious little thief advised to secure the can to prevent from..., TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587 other beneifts then just a! ( see nursing video below ) glare and thus enhance night vision have five dexterous toes allowing. Erect ears and a ringed pattern and is bushy my readers front legs so they have a rough coat a! And of course everything related to our natural ecosystems grey fur has other beneifts then just shooting like... You can grow and not leave a scrap for you of these pests before they do damage always a! Help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the colourations of the Florida Keys has a paler to! Fondness for apples say, my conscience got the better of me and i let her go behind garage. Out they have a mask does not usually cause a serious problem raccoons! Enhance night vision best things about this blog is getting the opportunity to hear wildlife stories.