The UNOFFICIAL urban raccoon information page

This page is brought to you in an effort to promote better understanding of the urban raccoon and its place in today's society. The urban raccoon is a much-misunderstood and maligned creature and we are endeavouring to help it regain and maintain its proper place in our neighbourhood. We trust it will be a learning experience for all as we discover many of the habits of this endearing animal. We have also provided a guide for identifying urban raccoons despite their excellent camouflage. Just click on the small picture to view the larger version.

Urbanization.jpg This is the officially-recognized habitat of the urban raccoon. We understand that Federal legislation is shortly to be enacted to ensure the security of its six-lot range in perpetuity.
Adaptation.JPG The urban raccoon has occasionally been forced to take advantage of man-made shelters when there is a shortage of trees and the grain has been removed from the fields. (It should be noted, however, that not a lot of grain has been removed lately from the particular area under discussion.) As can be seen in this photograph, peaceful co-existence is possible and often the raccoon is not even detected because of excellent protective colouration.

Adventure.jpg Raccoons are social animals and are often observed in groups. The urbanization of this species has meant that expeditions must be taken to remote areas in order to introduce the youngsters to their heritage.
Adversity.jpg It is unfortunate but, all too often, we are forced to observe the results of the interaction between raccoons and motor vehicles. It is a pleasant change to see that the vehicle has come off the worse for wear in this instance. A rarity indeed, but a welcome sight.

Agility.jpg The urban raccoon is renowned for its ability to climb most obstacles. (Because of construction of storage sheds and garages within the environs of the identified habitat, we have heard a rumour that some local raccoons are currently in training to leap tall buildings in a single bound. The number of them recently observed limping would seem to confirm the rumour.)
Appetite.jpg The urban raccoon is willing to go to extremes in an attempt to examine almost anything that looks edible.

Bonding.JPG There is a special warm relationship between adult and infant raccoons. Baby raccoons are nurtured by most adults, whether or not they are related. (There are, of course, some significant exceptions to this practice, as may be found in all species.)
Co-existence.jpg In recent years, it has become evident that the urban raccoon is able to develop friendships with domestic pets. It is heartwarming to see them sharing a late afternoon snack or playfully engaging in games of tag across the neighbourhood. Indeed, the domestic pets are responsible for much more noise pollution on these frolicsome occasions than the well-mannered raccoons.

Coping_skills.JPG Young raccoons are extremely inventive and will almost always find a way to reach whatever they desire.
Defence.JPG The mature male raccoon tries to keep himself in fighting form at all times in order to defend his family. Occasionally these stalwart creatures have been known to suffer corporal punishment but we do not think that is a general rule.

Deprivation.JPG In hard times, it is difficult for raccoons to find a diet sufficient to meet their requirements. There are now aid agencies springing up in neighbourhoods to address this problem.
Diet.JPG Urban raccoons are omnivorous, and are usually attracted to food which has been provided by others. The more experienced animals display alarm when they are discovered foraging. The young raccoons show no alarm whatsoever, but treat it as completely normal.

Education.jpg One of the endearing sights in this area is that of watching the adult raccoons teach the youngsters how to become self-sufficient. (Many male raccoons give themselves a refresher course as frequently as possible in clement weather.)
Endurance.jpg Although some urban raccoons are surviving to a ripe old age, often the strains of such an existence are evident.

Exercising.jpg Contrary to popular opinion, the urban raccoon is frequently observed taking the air during the winter months. Over time, these clever animals have developed travelling strategies not commonly used many generations ago.
Exploitation.jpg Although the appropriate authorities have been advised, it is still a frequent occurance to see raccoons on display in entertainment parks and used for the purpose of earning money for greedy humans.

Family_units.jpg Observers often notice a distinct resemblance within a family unit. While the markings on siblings may not be identical in colouration, similarities are still evident.
Free_lunch.jpg The urban raccoon has discovered that it is easy to acquire a picnic lunch through misrepresentation. Such a disguise clears the picnic area rapidly.

Getting_along.JPG Although they are different species, raccoons and cats have often been seen in the same area, notably around feeding bowls and water dishes. Perhaps further study of this phenomenon will provide guidelines for human behaviour.
Habitat.JPG On warm sunny days, it is not uncommon to observe young raccoons sunning themselves on local wood piles. This is not an aggressive act, merely a convenient place to dine and tan at the same time.

Habits.JPG Raccons are nocturnal animals by nature. It should be noted that most urban raccoons are distinctly unhappy if disturbed too early in the day. This is especially true if noctural activity has been unusually vigourous.
Hiding.jpg This is one of the less successful disguises attempted by the urban raccoon.

Integration.jpg Urban raccoons have a long history of settling in to inhabited areas. Usually, there is complete harmony when this happens.
Jack.jpg We were fortunate to capture this shot of an urban raccoon who has developed a sweet tooth. Through trial and error, he has discovered that it is possible to collect free candy if he chooses the correct night to go begging.

Leisure.JPG When given the opportunity, young adult raccoons will find sticks to play with in the wild in an effort to entertain themselves. Occasionally other raccoons nearby can be observed moving as far away as possible. There have also been incidents of other raccoons playfully tossing large sticks in the direction of the first, possibly in an attempt to join the merriment.
Longevity.JPG If properly nurtured and given an expensive diet, urban raccoons have been known to live for many years. There is often a distinct dimunition in climbing and foraging ability. In some instances, however, nocturnal activity has been observed to continue.

Loyalty.JPG Young mature female raccoons frequently have the instinct to protect others in their group. Their loyalty and intelligence are quite outstanding. They are also extremely attractive and receptive to compliments.
Male_interaction.JPG Unlike some species, the mature male urban raccoon is a good father and takes an active interest in family activities. He is frequently considered to be their support system.

Mating_habits.JPG In spite of the stresses inherent in urbanization, it is still customary for many urban raccoons to mate for life. However, litter sizes have decreased over the years.
Maturity.jpg Mature raccoons often bear battle scars as evidence of their struggles. In some cases, a thick pelt hides the worst of these.

Mistreatment.JPG Occasionally we are exposed to the plight of the young adult animal which has been abandoned and must forage for anything edible in order to stay alive. This is not always the healthiest diet, but may be all that is available.
night_hunter.jpg The urban raccoon is frequently unnoticed as he forages at night. This is because of his excellent ability to adapt to his surroundings.

Protective_colouration.JPG People unfamiliar with urban wildlife have been known to confuse species. The easiest way to determine the differences is to immerse the animals in question in water and observe the reactions.
raccow.jpg In an effort to confuse sleepers, the urban raccoon will disguise himself and attempt to moo. Not very many sleepers as fooled by this, but it makes the raccoon happy.

Relocation.JPG While it sometimes becomes necessary to relocate the immature urban raccoon, this is not always a happy experience for the youngster.
Safety.JPG To date, we have had no fears in trusting our human young to have close contact with urban raccoons. (Once the infants become a little older, this may change dramatically in some cases.)

short.jpg Some raccoons are sensitive to the fact that they are vertically challenged. We think this disguise is an attempt to portray a more imposing persona.
Socialization.JPG Urban raccoons are frequently observed participating in group activities. They appear extremely relaxed on such occasions. As these revels often last well into the night, it is fortunate that they have a natural tendency to sleep in the following morning. Indeed, some of the rascals even sleep right where they are and do not attempt to navigate home.

Survival_skills.JPG It is sometime necessary for an urban raccoon to resort to subterfuge in order to obtain sustenance in the less-than-friendly pockets within their range. We salute such ingenuity, while deploring the necessity for it.
teasing.jpg On other evenings, the urban raccoon's jovial nature asserts itself and he delights in interacting with some of the neighbourhood dogs, often causing the less-intelligent canines to become extremely confused.

Variety.jpg As with most other species, not all raccoons look alike. To the trained observer, there are minute differences in size and stance.
Versatility.jpg Urban raccoons are quite comfortable around machinery because they are exposed to it on a daily basis. They adapt quite happily when introduced to a new machine.

Water_utilization.JPG It is always a pleasure to watch these delightful animals at play. They are well known for being attracted to running water and engaging in healthy exercise.
Winter_survival.JPG Through the years, fewer raccoons are hibernating. Instead, they are acquiring winter coats which enable them to withstand the coldest temperatures.

We trust the information shown above has been educational and informative. Thank you for visiting this page. Should similar sites be discovered on the internet, please tell us so that we may be surprised. This page created on a Macintosh using PhotoPage by John A. Vink.

Urbanization.jpg	This is the officially-recognized habitat of the urban raccoon. We understand that Federal legislation is shortly to be enacted to ensure the security of its six-lot range in perpetuity.	Adaptation.JPG	The urban raccoon has occasionally been forced to take advantage of man-made shelters when there is a shortage of trees and the grain has been removed from the fields. (It should be noted, however, that not a lot of grain has been removed lately from the particular area under discussion.) As can be seen in this photograph, peaceful co-existence is possible and often the raccoon is not even detected because of excellent protective colouration.
Adventure.jpg	Raccoons are social animals and are often observed in groups. The urbanization of this species has meant that expeditions must be taken to remote areas in order to introduce the youngsters to their heritage.	Adversity.jpg	It is unfortunate but, all too often, we are forced to observe the results of the interaction between raccoons and motor vehicles. It is a pleasant change to see that the vehicle has come off the worse for wear in this instance. A rarity indeed, but a welcome sight.
Agility.jpg	The urban raccoon is renowned for its ability to climb most obstacles. (Because of construction of storage sheds and garages within the environs of the identified habitat, we have heard a rumour that some local raccoons are currently in training to leap tall buildings in a single bound. The number of them recently observed limping would seem to confirm the rumour.)	Appetite.jpg	The urban raccoon is willing to go to extremes in an attempt to examine almost anything that looks edible.
Bonding.JPG	There is a special warm relationship between adult and infant raccoons. Baby raccoons are nurtured by most adults, whether or not they are related. (There are, of course, some significant exceptions to this practice, as may be found in all species.)	Co-existence.jpg	In recent years, it has become evident that the urban raccoon is able to develop friendships with domestic pets. It is heartwarming to see them sharing a late afternoon snack or playfully engaging in games of tag across the neighbourhood. Indeed, the domestic pets are responsible for much more noise pollution on these frolicsome occasions than the well-mannered raccoons.
Coping_skills.JPG	Young raccoons are extremely inventive and will almost always find a way to reach whatever they desire.	Defence.JPG	The mature male raccoon tries to keep himself in fighting form at all times in order to defend his family. Occasionally these stalwart creatures have been known to suffer corporal punishment but we do not think that is a general rule.
Deprivation.JPG	In hard times, it is difficult for raccoons to find a diet sufficient to meet their requirements. There are now aid agencies springing up in neighbourhoods to address this problem.	Diet.JPG	Urban raccoons are omnivorous, and are usually attracted to food which has been provided by others. The more experienced animals display alarm when they are discovered foraging. The young raccoons show no alarm whatsoever, but treat it as completely normal.
Education.jpg	One of the endearing sights in this area is that of watching the adult raccoons teach the youngsters how to become self-sufficient. (Many male raccoons give themselves a refresher course as frequently as possible in clement weather.)	Endurance.jpg	Although some urban raccoons are surviving to a ripe old age, often the strains of such an existence are evident.
Exercising.jpg	Contrary to popular opinion, the urban raccoon is frequently observed taking the air during the winter months. Over time, these clever animals have developed travelling strategies not commonly used many generations ago.	Exploitation.jpg	Although the appropriate authorities have been advised, it is still a frequent occurance to see raccoons on display in entertainment parks and used for the purpose of earning money for greedy humans.
Family_units.jpg	Observers often notice a distinct resemblance within a family unit. While the markings on siblings may not be identical in colouration, similarities are still evident.	Free_lunch.jpg	The urban raccoon has discovered that it is easy to acquire a picnic lunch through misrepresentation. Such a disguise clears the picnic area rapidly.
Getting_along.JPG	Although they are different species, raccoons and cats have often been seen in the same area, notably around feeding bowls and water dishes. Perhaps further study of this phenomenon will provide guidelines for human behaviour.	Habitat.JPG	On warm sunny days, it is not uncommon to observe young raccoons sunning themselves on local wood piles. This is not an aggressive act, merely a convenient place to dine and tan at the same time.
Habits.JPG	Raccons are nocturnal animals by nature. It should be noted that most urban raccoons are distinctly unhappy if disturbed too early in the day. This is especially true if noctural activity has been unusually vigourous.	Hiding.jpg	This is one of the less successful disguises attempted by the urban raccoon.
Integration.jpg	Urban raccoons have a long history of settling in to inhabited areas. Usually, there is complete harmony when this happens.	Jack.jpg	We were fortunate to capture this shot of an urban raccoon who has developed a sweet tooth. Through trial and error, he has discovered that it is possible to collect free candy if he chooses the correct night to go begging.
Leisure.JPG	When given the opportunity, young adult raccoons will find sticks to play with in the wild in an effort to entertain themselves. Occasionally other raccoons nearby can be observed moving as far away as possible. There have also been incidents of other raccoons playfully tossing large sticks in the direction of the first, possibly in an attempt to join the merriment.	Longevity.JPG	If properly nurtured and given an expensive diet, urban raccoons have been known to live for many years. There is often a distinct dimunition in climbing and foraging ability. In some instances, however, nocturnal activity has been observed to continue.
Loyalty.JPG	Young mature female raccoons frequently have the instinct to protect others in their group. Their loyalty and intelligence are quite outstanding. They are also extremely attractive and receptive to compliments.	Male_interaction.JPG	Unlike some species, the mature male urban raccoon is a good father and takes an active interest in family activities. He is frequently considered to be their support system.
Mating_habits.JPG	In spite of the stresses inherent in urbanization, it is still customary for many urban raccoons to mate for life. However, litter sizes have decreased over the years.	Maturity.jpg	Mature raccoons often bear battle scars as evidence of their struggles. In some cases, a thick pelt hides the worst of these.
Mistreatment.JPG	Occasionally we are exposed to the plight of the young adult animal which has been abandoned and must forage for anything edible in order to stay alive. This is not always the healthiest diet, but may be all that is available.	night_hunter.jpg	The urban raccoon is frequently unnoticed as he forages at night. This is because of his excellent ability to adapt to his surroundings.
Protective_colouration.JPG	People unfamiliar with urban wildlife have been known to confuse species. The easiest way to determine the differences is to immerse the animals in question in water and observe the reactions.	raccow.jpg	In an effort to confuse sleepers, the urban raccoon will disguise himself and attempt to moo. Not very many sleepers as fooled by this, but it makes the raccoon happy.
Relocation.JPG	While it sometimes becomes necessary to relocate the immature urban raccoon, this is not always a happy experience for the youngster.	Safety.JPG	To date, we have had no fears in trusting our human young to have close contact with urban raccoons. (Once the infants become a little older, this may change dramatically in some cases.)
short.jpg	Some raccoons are sensitive to the fact that they are vertically challenged. We think this disguise is an attempt to portray a more imposing persona.	Socialization.JPG	Urban raccoons are frequently observed participating in group activities. They appear extremely relaxed on such occasions. As these revels often last well into the night, it is fortunate that they have a natural tendency to sleep in the following morning. Indeed, some of the rascals even sleep right where they are and do not attempt to navigate home.
Survival_skills.JPG	It is sometime necessary for an urban raccoon to resort to subterfuge in order to obtain sustenance in the less-than-friendly pockets within their range. We salute such ingenuity, while deploring the necessity for it.	teasing.jpg	On other evenings, the urban raccoon's jovial nature asserts itself and he delights in interacting with some of the neighbourhood dogs, often causing the less-intelligent canines to become extremely confused.
Variety.jpg	As with most other species, not all raccoons look alike. To the trained observer, there are minute differences in size and stance.	Versatility.jpg	Urban raccoons are quite comfortable around machinery because they are exposed to it on a daily basis. They adapt quite happily when introduced to a new machine.
Water_utilization.JPG	It is always a pleasure to watch these delightful animals at play. They are well known for being attracted to running water and engaging in healthy exercise.	Winter_survival.JPG	Through the years, fewer raccoons are hibernating. Instead, they are acquiring winter coats which enable them to withstand the coldest temperatures.