Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is the only Canadian member of the Procyonidae (a primarily tropical New World family of carnivores). Raccoons are distinguished by their black facial mask and ringed tail, and vary from almost black to light brown. They usually weigh 5-12 kg (maximum 22-26 kg before hibernation). Raccoons are found in south coastal area of British Columbia and parts of the Okanagan Valley, the southern halves of Alberta (excluding the ROCKY MOUNTAINS) Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, southern Québec, and the Maritimes.
Habits:
Known as agile climbers, raccoons are also strong but reluctant swimmers. They may carry rabies and thus form a reservoir for the disease. Raccoons are vocal and can whistle, shriek, chatter, click their teeth, snarl, growl and make other sounds.
Diet:
Raccoons are omnivorous. They manipulate their food in water but do not strictly wash it. They have sensitive hands for use in foraging, as when capturing crayfish.