The Land - Raccoons

Raccoon - Procyon lotor

Characteristics Weighing up to 15.876 kilograms (35 pounds), raccoons are characterized by their greyish-brown fur, ringed bushy tail, and conspicuous dark patch across the face and eyes (much like a bandit's mask). Habitat Typically wooded country near streams; however, they may be found along ditches, stream banks and hedgerows around farmland or marshes. Although not native to the Island, the raccoon has become well established and is common throughout the province in suitable habitat. It was introduced, as was the striped skunk, in the early 1900s when ranchers released their animals after the price of raccoon pelts declined. Typically, raccoons forage on the ground along streams at night, feeling in the water with their hand-like forefeet in search of food. In addition to shellfish, frogs and other aquatic tidbits, raccoons eat small animals, birds, eggs, insects, fruit, fresh corn and oats, dead animals and garbage.

www.flickr.com Souris & Area Branch PEI Wildlife Federation's Raccoons photoset

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Souris Branch of the P.E.I. Wildlife Federation

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