LIVE WEBCAM - RACCOONS AND CRITTERS

More info: Raccoons are found in North and Central America, Europe and Japan. They are very adaptable, so they are able to live in a wide range of climates and habitats. Traditionally, raccoons prefer heavily wooded areas with access to trees, water and abundant vegetation. There, they make their dens in the hollow parts of trees as well as abandoned burrows. However, they are often found in suburban and urban areas, making their homes in man-made structures like attics, sewers, barns and sheds and even abandoned vehicles.

Raccoons possess amazing dexterity that gives them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles and latches. They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter. For this reason they may become a big nuisance in urban areas and to home owners.

The favoured food of a raccoon includes fruits, seeds, nuts, birds' eggs and plants. In cities, raccoons scavenge around garbage bins and will eat scraps of food and other trash found there. Raccoons are also excellent swimmers, hunting fish, frogs, and crayfish.

Raccoons do not hibernate as such but during winter in cold northern climates, they will sleep for extended periods. Before the cold weather raccoons will build up extra body fat to provide a store of energy for when it is too cold to search for food.

Raccoons reproduce in late winter. Females, or sows, usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year. Raccoons are independent after 12-14 months of age.