Raccoons are known as nature’s bandits. In many locations, wild raccoons are considered a pest, but so many are letting these bandits steal their heart’s they are fast becoming domesticated pets. Their adorable faces and playful demeanor has won over people who even admire them from afar. Whether you love these animals enough to adopt them as pests are simply love the look that you have calendars, photos, knick-knacks and other collectibles, we at Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings would like to take the opportunity to elaborate briefly on raccoons.

Where Do Raccoons Live?

Raccoons are native to North and South America, but are found in Asia and Europe as well. These animals are smaller relatives to the bear, and though they are frequently found in urban areas, they generally live in wooded areas and stick close to water sources. There are several species of raccoons that include the pygmy raccoons that are currently on the endangered species list. Raccoons are solitary, nocturnal animals that are very adaptable. They can just as easily live happily on the inside of a hollow tree as they can in an abandoned structure. Though they do spend the coldest winter days in their burrows, they do not hibernate.

What Does a Raccoon Look Like?

Depending on the species, raccoons reach between two and fice feet in length and weigh 12-16 pounds. Colder climates see the heavier and larger raccoons. Most have grayish fur, a black mask around the eyes and a long tail that are covered with brown and black bands. Due to their coloring, some have nicknamed them “ringtail”. Raccoons have hands that resemble that of a human; featuring five fingers that allow them to easily collect food, open shells, and sift through trash.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are opportunity eaters and being omnivorous allows them to have a variety of choices from plants to animals. They commonly eat eggs, insects, small mammals, berries, and other fruit, seeds, and even garbage. Raccoons will frequently put their food in water before they eat because they have a high sensitivity to touch and the water increases it more so. By fondling their food, the gain better insight to the food they are about to eat.

Other Raccoon Facts

From January to mid-March is the mating season for raccoons. A female will give birth in about 2 months to 3-4 babies. Their young offspring do not have bands on their tails or the masks around their eyes. The mothers are very protective over her young and will teach them how to eat and survive until they are ready to leave the burrow. In the wild, the average lifespan of a raccoon is about five years where in captivity; they can live up to 20 years.

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

Raccoons have an assortment of sounds they use to communicate including purring, hissing, growling, and even whistling. These animals have many high attributes such as being excellent swimmers and climbers as well. If you have a fondness for raccoons, check out the inventory of Carve Me A Bear! Chainsaw Carvings or have a raccoon figure custom crafted to add to your collection. These unique chainsaw-carved works of art are something any collector would adore. Contact us today!