Raccoon Procyon lotor
A masked omnivore.
The raccoon is found throughout much of North and Central America. It favours forested areas, preferably close to water.
The raccoon in a nutshell
- eats
- insects, crayfish, fruit, nuts, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, eggs
- inhabits
- North and Central America
- excels at
- adapting to humans
‘Washing bear’
Raccoons are often seen at the water’s edge with food in their front paws, giving rise to their Dutch name of ‘wasbeer’ (washing bear). Similarly, the English name ‘raccoon’ is derived from the First Nations Powhatan word for an animal that uses its hands to scratch with. However, they do not wash their food to remove sand and mud like humans do. Some researchers believe they use the water to soften food that is hard, or to remove inedible parts. Another theory is that raccoons touch their food in the water to better feel what they are eating. Since raccoons have very poor vision, they rely on their sense of touch, and this is more sensitive when their paws are wet.
Also in Europe
The raccoon (or wasbeer) is not a true bear, but comes from its own family: the Procyonidae. The raccoon is native to North and Central America, but people used to capture them and bring them to Europe. Some animals either escaped or were deliberately released, as a result of which raccoons can now be found in parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.
City life
Raccoons are intelligent, curious animals, which enables them to adapt well to living in the city and is a great example of nature’s resilience. Because raccoons eat almost anything, there is plenty of food for them to find. They are also smart enough to learn how to open locks and doors. However, city life is not always easy; raccoons are often hit by vehicles, or victims of attempts to eliminate them.