Raccoons are a part of wildlife everywhere, whether they are living in the rural areas or in the city, raccoons are an animal many people are familiar with. These adorable bandits are even considered pests to some, where others are domesticating them. Though they are common, there are some fun facts that you may not know that we at Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings would like to share today.

Raccoon Facts

Raccoon Hands – Their unique hands got them their name. Coming from the Powhatan word aroughcun, which means “animal that scratches with its hands”, as the Native Americans were the first to notice their unusual paws that give them dexterity. The English word eventually evolved to raccoon.
Raccoon Species – Raccoons have many varieties. In North and South America, there are 6 raccoon species. The common raccoon, otherwise known as Procyon lotor that lives in the United States is the most recognizable.
Raccoon Mask – Raccoon’s masks serve more than looks. Raccoons have been pegged as thieves and bandits over the centuries thanks to their black markings across their eyes. Their facemasks, however, serve more than an adorable outlaw appearance. These masks allow them to see clearly. Acting much like the black stickers athletes use, their black fur absorbs incoming light, reducing glare that would obstruct their vision.
Raccoons are Found around the World. To stock the fur farms, the first raccoons were exported to Europe in the 1920s. Many raccoons escaped and founded a new population in the wild by way of an accidental bombing and some bored farmers just wanting to spice up the local wildlife. In Europe, raccoons are considered and invasive species. The raccoons managed to invade Japan and in the anime cartoon Rascal the Raccoon in the 1970s would have Japanese children obsessed with the cuddly star. At one-point Japan was importing roughly 1500 of them a month to fulfill the demand of Japan’s kids wanting a pet of their own. Currently, Japan has band raccoon ownership and importing as most families released these animals back into the wild when they become too much maintenance.
Rising Raccoon Population. Of the few species to benefit from the spread of humans, raccoons have skyrocketed in the past several decades in North America. Being adaptable, raccoons can thrive in both rural and urban as well as suburban environments. Raccoons will eat garbage and pet food just as easily as they do insects, birds, seeds, fruits, and nuts.
Raccoon Problem Solving. As long as food is the prize, any puzzle given to a raccoon is solvable. In labs, yards, and campsites, raccoons prove this fact time and time again. In many studies, the raccoons have proven their problem-solving ability.

Raccoon Chainsaw Carvings & More in Las Vegas, Nevada, Helena, Montana & Nampa, Idaho

With so many people taking in adorable bandits as pets these days, quite a few find these animals endearing. Where some own them as pets, there are some that are drawn to these masked outlaws and collect art, photos, paintings, and other trinkets of raccoons. Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings can provide unique raccoon chainsaw carvings for the avid or beginner collectors. Contact us today!