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A grown raccoon will measure about 32 inches from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, and will weigh about 20 pounds. The coon appears to be wearing a mask because of the dark colored fur at its eyes and cheeks. The tail is ringed with dark fur, hence the name ?ringtail?. They den in hollow trees, logs, or holes in rocky ledges.
Winter activities of the raccoon vary in the southern and northern latitudes. In the southern United States it remains active throughout the year, except in cold weather when it will stay in its den for a week or more. In the north it becomes torpid and goes into a kind of hibernation or partially suspended animation similar to the bear's.
Sensory organs are highly developed. Hearing, sight, and touch are very acute, but its sense of smell is not well developed. The raccoon is cunning, clever, playful, and a strong climber.
Raccoon?s Feeding Habits - Raccoons generally feed at night along streams and around swamps, lakes, and marshes. Raccoons like sweet foods and drinks, yet avoid salt. In general, raccoons eat a wide variety of foods, including mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, eggs, insects, crawfish, and fruit, such as corn, apples, plums, grapes, acorns, beechnuts, berries, and persimmons.
Plants Vulnerable to Raccoon
While they will break into your garbage cans, raccoons are primarily pests in the vegetable garden, going after sweet corn, melons, and other fruits. Sweet corn is absolutely their favorite food and they will go to any length to get it. They always know one day before you do that the corn is ripe. If you have fruit trees, raccoons can also raid them, enjoying peaches, pears, apples, and apricots.
