Size : Up to 46 pounds, 18-30 inches long, 9-12 inches tall, tail 8-13 inches.

Lifespan : 10 years, 13 years in captivity.

Breeding : Mating usually late winter.  Gestation 63 days.  3-4 young per litter, up to 7 possible.

Habits : Solitary and Polygamous.

Diet : Earthworms, insects, eggs, chicks, frogs, berries, corn, nuts, and fruit.
 

    The North American Raccoon, a relative of pandas, kinkajous and coatis, has been characterized as a little bandit and escape artist.  It is a mischievous animal with a curious, destructive nature.  It roams around streams and marshy areas at night, and it is good at climbing and swimming.  It is divided up into about 25 geographic subspecies.
    "Raccoon" originated from the Native American word, "araughcan," meaning he who scratches with his hands. The raccoon has a habit of rubbing, feeling and dunking its food using its front paws. Contrary to legends, they do not wash their food before they eat it.  It is only seen in captivity, probably because of frustration at not finding small prey in their water.  The raccoon becomes inactive during winter, but it does not hibernate.  Communal denning is common in the hollow of a tree or among rocks.  Up to 23 raccoons have lived in one den, but it is rare to have more than one adult male in a den.  The mother raises the young by herself, and the babies stay with her until they are one year old.