Raccoon

		SIZE

		HEIGHT:	9-12 in. at the shoulder
		LENGTH:	2-3 feet Tail Length: 6-12 in.
		WEIGHT:	15-35 lb.

		BREEDING

		MATURITY:	Female: 1 year Male: 2 years
		MATING:	Mates in February.
		GESTATION:	50-65 days
		# OF YOUNG :	Called a litter: 4-5 kits born in late spring.

		LIFESTYLE

		HABIT:	Raccoons range from North, Central, and South America.
		DIET:	Omnivores (eat meat and vegetation) and eat frogs, small fish, crayfish, insects, corn, berries, and grapes.
		LIFESPAN:	8-10 years in the wild, and 10-13 years in captivity.

		SCIENTIFIC NAME

		FAMILY:	Common Name: Raccoon Classified as "Procyon lotor".

		GENERAL INFORMATION

		Raccoons range from North, Central, and South America. Raccoons inhabit forested areas with mature and/or hollow trees in which to nest. They have adapted to live in urban and rural areas. Raccoons vary in color from blond to dark gray with the characteristic rings around eyes and tail. They have small, articulate paws used to pick up food, dig, or aid in climbing. Fun Facts: Their species name “lotor” means “washer” in Latin. Raccoons are very vocal have been heard to purr and growl at each other. A raccoon is a curious animal and it uses its paws and nose to explore new surroundings.

""The Scouts had a great time at Bear Country USA. They have never been that close to bears before. The Scouts I had with me were the older Scouts that have backpacked in Yellowstone Nation Park, and Philmont, New Mexico and have been on canoe trips to Boundary Water going deep into Canada. At night they have always had to put their food in bear bags and hang them high in the trees so the bears could not get at it. In all those trips we never had a bear in our camp. After seeing your bears, close up, and see how big they were, one of the Scouts in the back seat of my pickup said ""Holy cow, now I know why we hung the bear bags"". After we drove through the Wildlife Park we stopped at the snack bar and walked through the exibits. The hardest part of the day was getting the Scouts away from the baby bears and back in the cars. (You have a great wildlife Park) We spent a week in the Black Hills, the main reason for the trip was to bike the Mickelson Trail, but the highlight of the trip was Bear Country U.S.A.. That night, after we ate, while sitting around the camp fire we drank a Pepsi Cola toast to you and your Wildlife Park. On behalf of all the Scouts and Adults from Troop 554 Littleton, Colorado, I want to thank you very much for allowing us to visit your Wildlife Park. Thanks again, Assistant Scoutmaster BSA Troop 554""

Rick Brentrup
Littleton, Colorado