Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
 Raccoons thrive in both wilderness and urban areas.
Appearance: size of a large beagle dog, adults average 8 pounds, grayish to blackish in color, 5 -6 black and gray to yellowish rings on the tail (the tip of the tail is black), prominent black mask across the face bordered by white above and below the black , 40 teeth (including 4 sharp canine teeth)
Reproduction: mating from early January to early April (ocassionally as late as August), gestation of 63 days, 3 per litter; newborns are 2 - 3 oz. and blind (eyes open at 2 weeks) Food habits: omnivorous, relishing crayfish, crabs, snails, clams, small fish, frogs, earthworms, insects, fruits, berries, and shoots of trees Habits: good swimmers and tree climbers; front paws are dexterous; the do not hibernate but store layers of fat during the fall to prepare for winter 
Distribution: across all of Louisiana, most of the US, Mexico, and southern Canada, excluding portions of the Rocky Mountains and the arid SW
Habitat: all habitats types in Louisiana, highest densities in marshes and swamps, dens in trees often 30-40 feet above the ground Controls: prey to coyotes, bobcats, and cougars; juveniles prey to large owls, eagles, and fishers; prone to distemper, rabies, leptospirosis (which can be passed to man); parasites include roundworms, flatworms, tapeworms, mites, lice and fleas Values: does not compete severely with other species in demand for habitat; damage to sweet corn can be extensive |
