Raccoons

Well known for their mischievous ways, people either love raccoons or they don't - depending on how far they are from your garbage cans! We've some great bargains for the raccoon fan, and more information about them below.

Raccoon T Shirt

This little raccoon is snuggled safely in a maple tree, just waiting for the right moment to creep out. Sand colored T. 100% preshrunk cotton. Adult sizes M, L, XL. Item PT003 $15.00 US.  Add to Cart

Plush Raccoon

Our Cuddlekins plush raccoon is made of quality fabric and ultra plush stuffing. Unbelievably soft raccoon is 12" long, plus ringed tail.Item PS01 $16.00 US  Add to Cart

Raccoon Earrings

Etched in recycled brass, hammered by hand which gives subtle facets to catch the light, then plated in 14k gold, these pierced earrings are approx. 3/4" high. Only one pair left - order soon! Item PJ01 $10.00 US  Add to Cart

Raccoon Print Fleece Blanket

The ultimate gift for any raccoon fan! Luxurious brushed fleece with a non-pill finish allows the detaled embroidery to stand out. Beige blanket with double sided black raccoon on one corner, and black edging. 50" x 60". 100% non allergenic polyester. Machine washable. Item PM001 Now Only $25.00 US  Add to Cart 

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Raccoons of the World

The word 'raccoon' originated from a North American Indian word aroughcan, which roughly translates as "he who scratches with his hands."

Their scientific species name of the Common Raccoon lotor refers to their habit, in captivity, of apparently "washing" their food and other items. In the wild, similar actions of rubbing, feeling and dunking, using their highly dextrous and sensitive front paws, are associated with location and capture of aquatic prey such as crayfish and frogs. Whether these actions are simply investigative or intended to rid the prey of distasteful skin secretions is not known. However captive animals will go through the same motions, even without water.

There is little a raccoon will not eat. They generally forage at night near water courses for frogs, crayfish, reptiles, fish, birds and eggs. However, they also seek out fruit, insects, worms, fresh corn and generally whatever is edible in mans' garbage. Raccoons usually forage on their own for prey, but where food is potentially abundant they will congregate in groups.

The Common Raccoon is traditionally native to southern Canada, the USA and Central & South America. In North America, they have been extending their range northwards in recent years due to forest destruction and climate warming. Imported to Europe in the 19th century for captive breeding, the collapse of this fur industry saw many animals released into the wild. They have now established healthy populations in Europe and Asia.

There are four other recognized raccoon species in the Americas. The most unusual is the semi-aquatic Crab-eating Raccoon from Costa Rica south to Argentina. Crabs are not its principal food, but it does prey on several types of animal found in or near its aquatic habitat. Other species are found on Maria Madre Island, Cozumel Island and Guadeloupe, all in Mexico.