Raccoons slink around at night when they come out of hiding in search for food. Lurking behind bushes with beady eyes watching until no one is around, these nocturnal animals finally emerge in search of anything they can find to fill their hungry stomachs. They live in both rural and urban areas where people often rise to find their outdoor trash scattered all over, a telltale sign that a messy nighttime prowler was busy. For more about these dirty creatures, here are some facts about raccoons and what they do when no one is looking.
Inside the Life and Behavior of Raccoons
Inquisitive kids who want to know even more about raccoons will find these facts about the sneaky critters to be pretty interesting. Similar to bats, they are nocturnal by nature. There is something mysterious and perhaps a little frightening when a child catches a glimpse of the bushy figure slinking away in the dark. Since these animals are extremely private by nature and difficult to observe in action, here are some of the most interesting facets of a raccoon's behavior, including details about dexterity, diet, diseases they carry, habitats, and more. Also, be sure to browse the best children's books about raccoons for even more information about how to stay safe and avoid contact with these notoriously nasty animals.
(1) These animals are carriers of parasites and disease.
Kids should always be warned to stay far away from raccoons. Second to bats, raccoons are the most rabid wild animals, oftentimes without displaying any obvious symptoms. Rabies, although rare, is fatal in humans unless treated immediately. Raccoons also carry raccoon ringworm, leptospirosis, and distemper. These diseases can cause neurological damage and other serious problems. Since raccoon feces contaminates soil, it is essential that kids always wash hands after playing outdoors.
(2) Raccoons are opportunistic eaters.
They can survive eating pretty much anything. Raccoons feed on acorns, grasshoppers, mice, frogs, insects, and berries. They are also rummage through trash, so if when garbage cans are tipped over with contents spread across the driveway, chances are a raccoon is the culprit. These scavengers will gobble up pet food, bird seed, small mammals, bird eggs, and pretty much anything that catches their attention.
(3) Raccoons are highly intelligent.
Research has suggested that a raccoon's intelligence is higher than a domestic dog or cat, and perhaps just slightly lower than that of a monkey. A series of cognitive studies demonstrated that they can work through a variety of challenges in order to get their paws on food. They are incredibly curious and persistent in nature, and will not give up easily when trying to solve a problem usually around acquiring food.
(4) They have incredible dexterity.
With five long, slender toes on each of their front and back paws, they can manipulate objects their environment much like humans. These clever animals can turn doorknobs, open boxes, lift latches, and even twist the lid of jars. For this reason, it is very challenging to keep outdoor areas safe from raccoons prying paws.
(5) Mating involves an unusual mix of screaming, fighting, and prolonged flirting.
The entire mating season lasts from January to June, with heightened activity in March and April. Both males and females attract partners through loud vocalization, which may include a combination of barks, screeches, and screaming sounds. When multiple males are attempting to court a single female, they often fight aggressively to show off their strength and scare the competition away. Once the winner emerges, a long courtship process begins, followed by a lengthy copulation period.
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