North America is the birthplace of raccoons!

Raccoons are distant relatives of bears.

The raccoon paw print is very similar to the print of a human hand.

Raccoons are immune to many infectious diseases.

Raccoons easily learn to open water taps and enjoy this ability with pleasure.

The joints of the hind legs of raccoons bend 180 degrees.

Raccoon females feed their offspring 24 times a day.

Fun Facts

A raccoon will rinse its food in water prior to eating it. When there is no water close by, a raccoon will still rub its food to remove debris.

Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark.

A group of raccoons is called a nursery.

Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Their diet consists of sweet foods like fruits, and some favorite foods include:

They Come in Many Varieties

There are six raccoon species native to North and South America. The most recognizable is the common raccoon that lives in the United States. Other varieties of the animal can be found farther south, often inhabiting tropical islands.