Raccoon Why rinse? A complete description of the raccoon and its way of life. Where do striped raccoons live?

Raccoons are divided into two types: the raccoon dog and the striped raccoon. The rinse is fanatical about washing, that’s why it was called that. The animal's ancestors inhabited American forests. Now they can be found on the islands of India, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Russia. Raccoons are considered valuable fur animals. Some peoples eat its meat. Sport hunting for this animal is also popular.

Description of the appearance and where the raccoon lives

In Russia, the raccoon can be seen in the Far East, North Caucasus, Krasnodar region. They live on the territory of the Amur region. Relatively recently, animals appeared in the European part of the Russian Federation. Scientists suggest that it was from here that raccoons migrated to Europe.

The body of a wild animal can reach 70 cm in length, and its tail - 30 cm, 6 kg is average weight raccoon. But you can find an animal that weighs more than 15 kg.

The body has a stocky, very bushy striped tail and short legs. The color of its fur is grayish-brown. On the muzzle between the nose and forehead there is a black stripe. There is a visible spot between the eyes dark color. Its tail is also surrounded by black rings.

animal walks on four legs. He can easily hold objects with his front paws and wash his face. It also holds food with its front paws, sitting on its hind legs. Having long and dexterous fingers, he can easily find food even in muddy water.

When moving, he relies only on his fingers. He rests on his foot only when at rest. The animal's feet can rotate 180 degrees. This allows him to climb up and down trees upside down.

He lives in mixed forests, where there are many trees with hollows. But I like it more space near bodies of water. The animal's lifestyle is nocturnal. During the day he sleeps in someone else's nest, the hollow of an old tree. They do not know how to dig holes themselves. He can move quite confidently in the dark and swims well.

What does the animal eat?

He loves to destroy nests and eat chicks' eggs. The raccoon does not refuse berries and fruits. He really likes wild grapes and elderberries, as well nuts and acorns.

It can raid nests of forest bees and anthills, eating larvae. Animals can be seen in potato fields. Before eating the food it has caught, the animal rinses it in water for a long time.

The raccoon eats a variety of animal food:

Frogs.
Small sized lizards.
Small rodents and birds.

During the summer and autumn, animals try to gain as much fat as possible for a long life. hibernation. He will sleep for a long time, at least 4 months. Raccoons spend the winter in the hollow of a tree, climbing there several pieces at a time. When advancing warm weather raccoons come out of the hole for a walk.

The rut of animals begins at the end of winter. Pregnancy in females lasts 60 days. The female brings from 3 to 7 cubs. After 4 months, the young become completely independent and separate from the female. The lifespan of animals does not exceed 5 years.

Therefore, he must always be supervised. During the absence of the owner and at night he must lock in a cage. For games, he needs to make an extensive special enclosure.

You need to make sure that your restless pet always has something to do. He also needs free access to fresh water. The water container must be sufficiently stable. The animal can turn it over very easily.

Raccoons in the forests love to climb trees. Therefore, the house must also have a structure for this purpose.

It is very easy to tame an animal, but it is better to take a small animal into your home. An adult animal will take much longer to get used to its owner. With the onset of puberty, the raccoon may become aggressive, less sociable. Therefore, scientists do not recommend keeping the animal with other pets.

There will be no difficulties with feeding. He can even give ready-made food for animals. But it is impossible to completely switch a raccoon to this food.

He will eat with appetite:

fruits;
vegetables;
nuts,
berries.

Raccoons love to rinse everything in water. They also do this with food, which is then immediately put into the mouth. If you offer him a bun or cookies, he will wash these foods first. These actions are enshrined in his subconscious. Instinct always kicks in when a raccoon sees food and water. For this the animal received its name raccoon.

Raccoon dog

The raccoon dog and the striped raccoon are very similar animals, but there is a significant difference between them.

The raccoon dog lives in the Amur region and the Ussuri region. Introduced in the 50s of the last century for the fur trade. Her homeland is Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula.

Outwardly, it looks like a small fox, stocky, with a small pointed muzzle and short ears. Very looks like a raccoon, but there are more differences. There are not even family ties between them.

The dog lives along the banks of rivers and loves wet and swampy places. Chooses for home fox or badger burrows. Can independently dig a home up to 3 meters deep. Always makes 2 exits from the hole. She is not afraid of people and can live close to human habitation.

This dog is omnivorous. The predator does not miss any prey. Prefers to hunt at night. She hunts birds, fish, and rodents. Does not avoid edible waste or carrion. Enjoy fruits and tree leaves. In search of food, it can travel up to 10 km per night.

Based on the comparison of animals, we can conclude that the raccoon and the raccoon dog are the animals are completely different.

If you are not afraid of the difficulties of keeping and the irrepressible temperament of this animal, then you are guaranteed its funny antics and noisy fuss in the house. You will never be bored with a raccoon!

There are many animals that attract the attention of adults and children. Often people do not want to have standard pets and prefer more exotic species, an example being the raccoon. Before making a responsible decision about the arrival of a new family member, you need to find out about his character and the conditions for comfortable coexistence.

The raccoon is a predatory mammal that lives in the vastness of America. If we consider Eurasia as a habitat for raccoons, then this continent is inhabited by only one species that has invaded an alien ecosystem - the striped raccoon.

Types of raccoons

There are 4 varieties of raccoons:

Rakoed;
Guadalupe;
Raccoon;
Cozumel.

In South and Central America, where the raccoon lives, jungle tracts and swampy areas are most often observed. The external similarity with an ordinary raccoon is that they have a “mask” on the face and a fluffy tail. The difference is that their dimensions are slightly smaller, their body has a more streamlined shape, and their hair is short. These are solitary nocturnal animals that breed in the second half of summer. Most often, a female gives birth to 3 cubs. This type is characterized by the following parameters:

Weight: 2-12 kilograms;
How long do raccoons live - 10-13 years;
Height at withers: slightly more than 20 cm;
Body length: 40-60 centimeters (the length of the tail is additionally measured, which is 20-40 cm).

Crustaceans does not mean that the animal’s diet consists exclusively of crustaceans. They are omnivores. The presence of crabs and crayfish in the diet is determined by their presence in the raccoon habitat.

Author: Mikhail Reshetov

Author: Dmitry Ryabov

Author: Mikhail Reshetov

They are an endangered species. In France, Guadeloupe, as well as in the Lesser Antilles, where this species of raccoon lives, programs are working on their population. These are land animals that prefer to live near bodies of water.

After being awake at night, raccoons spend the daytime in foliage, on tree branches or in the hollows of trunks. General parameters:

Weight: 5-13 kilograms;
Omnivores;
Mating season: January to March;
Number of cubs: 2-5;
Body length: from 50 to 60 centimeters (tail length not included).

When a baby raccoon turns one year old, it will be considered an adult.

Author: Anastasia Gerasimova

Author: Alena Zakharova

The most numerous species, which includes 22 subspecies. This is perhaps the only species that is not affected human activity aimed at cultivating the land.

Where do raccoons live and are found in Russia?

They are easy to find in the Black Sea and Caspian regions. Moreover, their populations have become so numerous that they pose a threat to native plants and animals. Outside Russia, representatives of this species can be found in Polesie. Raccoon raccoons are easy to tame and can be bred outside of natural conditions. Animal parameters:

Weight: from 5 to 9 kilograms;
Omnivores;
Body length: from 45 to 60 centimeters (tail length about 25 centimeters);
How long does a raccoon live: up to 20 years;
Fur: gray-brown, thick;
Mating season: February to March;
Gestation period: two months;
Number of offspring: from three to seven;
How long does a raccoon live before reaching maturity: one year.

Raccoons in wildlife prefer to live in mixed old forests with large hollow trees near water bodies. They do not dig holes on their own, and therefore are reluctant to settle on the ground. Choosing a hollow tree as a home, stripers willingly show their love of climbing trees. They can also use an old badger hole as housing.

Author: Margarita Soboleva

Despite the fact that the legs of the striped raccoon are quite short, they have very developed toes. The paw prints are similar to those made by human palms. The front paws are used for grasping, holding, and washing objects. Thanks to well-developed fingers, raccoons can hang on branches and climb trees, clinging to branches.

Excellent night vision gives the raccoon dangerous predator. He masterfully navigates in complete darkness not only thanks to his eyes. Many sensitive hairs (vibrissae) located on the animal’s muzzle, abdomen, chest and paws serve as additional locators for orientation in space.

Raccoons excellent swimmers. However, in natural environment they prefer to simply wander in shallow water along the shore of a river or lake. You could even say that it gives them a kind of pleasure.

Author: Vassa Danilova

Raccoon raccoons are the only ones in their family capable of hibernating, but this may not apply to the southern part of the halo. For wintering, up to ten individuals can gather in one hollow. This sleep lasts up to five months.

This type of raccoon is almost omnivorous. This is one of the reasons why wild raccoons come to people's homes and dig through garbage in search of food.

The diet of raccoons is seasonal. In spring and the first half of summer, it mainly consists of food of animal origin; at the end of summer and autumn, the basis of the diet is plant food. It is the washing of food that determines the name of the species.

Author: Borimir Kostin

Animals are not susceptible to most diseases, but can be carriers of diseases. In addition, they are susceptible to bites from snakes, owls and predators.

In case of danger that cannot be avoided, the raccoon can pretend to be dead. They are not shy and can bravely defend themselves. They have an active, cunning and curious character. Such traits promote domestication.

As long as raccoons live, they are valuable as fur-bearing animals. In the USSR, breeding attempts began in 1936. Reproduction occurs successfully in captivity. Individuals with underdeveloped awns are considered rejected, which is manifested in matted fur. Animals destroy farms, gardens, vineyards, chicken coops and fields.

In the wild, striped raccoons live no more than five years. Most of them become victims of poachers and only a small fraction die in the teeth of predators, and even fewer die from old age.

Author: Makar Nesterov

Reproduction of raccoons in the wild is not a long process. By the age of one year, female striped raccoons reach reproductive age. She carries the fetus for about two months. Because mating season The birth of raccoons begins in February-March, then the cubs are born in April-May. And by July they become completely independent adult raccoons.

Cozumel raccoon

The island of Cozumel in Mexico, where raccoons live, has many mangrove and rain forests, as well as beaches suitable for habitat. Brief information:

Body length: from 60 to 80 centimeters, of which about 25 is the tail;
Weight: from three to four kilograms;
Omnivores, half of the diet consists of food of animal origin;
Color: gray-brown with a yellow tint on the tail.

Red raccoon is one of the variations of the name red panda. This is due external resemblance with raccoons and the red, or slightly brown, coat color of the animal.

You can become its owner only after the cub becomes an independent animal. How long a raccoon lives with its mother is quite easy to determine. The period is about six months. But there are times when the baby stays with his mother for up to nine months.

Author: David Naumov

Caring for an animal is not difficult, but it must be done constantly and in compliance with the conditions.

Residents of a private house can simply shelter a raccoon having a spacious garden plot. Both a house made of boards and an aviary are suitable for him. The animal is so unpretentious that it can live in an empty room, in an attic or attic. What is needed to keep such a pet:

A container filled with water. You can stay in it in hot weather and wash objects you find;
An overnight stay at a short distance from the ground will be much more familiar for your pet. It’s a good idea to fill this area with sawdust and pieces of fabric;
Provide a place to climb.

If the raccoon is going to live in an apartment, it is better to give it a separate room or enclosure to stay in when the owner is absent. Close windows and ventilation with screens and check the locks, as the latches will not be able to stop a curious animal.

Domestic raccoon food products.

It is now fashionable to keep raccoons at home - they have become an exotic alternative to domestic dogs, but few people know that the animal is still a predator, and it is almost impossible to tame a pet. Animals from the raccoon family are known for cunning, dexterity and intelligence. They are not as kind as the cartoon character who sings about smiling. You can have them at home, but you need to know what you need to be prepared for, in what conditions to keep the striped raccoon and what to feed.

Who is a raccoon

This is a carnivorous mammal the size of a dog. medium breed, belongs to the raccoon family. The striped raccoon (Procyon lotor) is native to Central and North America and came to Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. Nimble animal found in many parts of the planet, including the North Caucasus and the Far East. The animal leads night look life, and hides during the day. For housing, raccoons choose hollows, other people's holes, or small structures made from tree branches, which they “steal” from other animals. Reproduce early spring.

What does it look like

The striped raccoon (or American raccoon) is a touching creature that looks like a dog or a fox. A medium-sized predator (weight from 6 to 9 kg, a well-fed animal reaches 16 kg), body length: 50–60 cm, tail on average 25 cm. Males are larger than females, with a strong and stocky body. Appearance has following features:

Head. The muzzle is wide, pointed, reminiscent of a mask (the illusion is created by the color: around the black nose there is white fur, the area of the eye sockets and forehead is also black, around the eyes there are wide black lines with a white edging that stretch to the neck), the ears are small and rounded.
Limbs. Short, but the fingers are well developed. The paw looks like human hand: there are no partitions between the toes and is well developed fine motor skills. These properties help the animal handle small parts well. There are videos on the Internet of how cunning people open cans of beer and sneak into refrigerators. The toe ends in a pointed long claw so they can climb trees to the top.
Feet. Movable, rotate 180 degrees. This physiological feature allows animals to somersault and perform tricks in trees.
Wool. Thick, different in length on different parts of the body, longer on both sides of the head ("tanks" are formed). Color: gray-brown. The undercoat is dense.
Tail. Fluffy, with dark brown or black rings, of which there are up to 10 pieces.

Habitat

The striped raccoon prefers to settle in mixed forest(avoids conifers). Animals cannot do without water, so there will definitely be a river, swamp or lake near their habitat. The striped raccoon likes to make its “homes” at a height of 20-30 meters above the ground, in hollows. Individuals living in the southern regions often make their home on the coast. The animal is not shy, so it settles near the city. In the United States, predators are raiding farms in the suburbs, and this is a problem for local residents who are at war with the animals.

Distribution area

The striped raccoon comes from North America, where it still lives from the Isthmus of Panama to the southern provinces of Canada. Predators were introduced to Europe and Asia in the 20th century. The striper has acclimatized in the forests of Azerbaijan, Belarus (Polesie), on the islands of the East Indies, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Baby stripers were brought to the USSR in 1936, where they took root. Animals are found in the Far East and the Caucasus.

Character and lifestyle

The striped raccoon, as a predator, is nocturnal, preferring to hide in a den during the day. After sunset the animal goes hunting. They are loners and need personal space. The radius of the territory reaches two kilometers; if another representative of the species appears in the possessions of a furry animal, then a “war” begins - everyone defends the right to control the territory.

In winter, the striped raccoon, which lives in northern regions, hibernates, this is the only representative of the raccoon family that has such a feature. Hibernation lasts up to five months, but vital processes do not slow down, since the animals have shallow sleep. The animal often wakes up and goes for a short walk when it is warm, but physical activity low in winter. The animal does not starve during hibernation; the body uses up its reserve of fatty deposits, and the animal has about three centimeters of it under its fur. Up to ten individuals can winter in a hollow.

Stripers prefer to settle in mixed, hollow forests, next to a pond. They often fall prey large predators: wolves, lynxes, alligators. Snakes are also dangerous for puppies. Animals are able to stand up for themselves - when they find themselves in a critical situation, they make throws, try to bite the enemy and growl intimidatingly. When an animal senses danger, it can run away at speeds of up to 30 km/h. If the situation is hopeless, the animal falls as if dead, deceiving the enemy.

Relationships with a person

Stripers are brave and courageous, they are ready to fight predators and destroy other people’s nests, but when communicating with humans, the animal becomes friendly and welcoming. He goes to such cunning purposely to charm, hoping to get something tasty. Striped dogs are kept as pets because they easily get used to people, but owners should not relax or be deceived by their pet’s cute antics, because furry predators are stubborn and curious, causing problems. Mature individuals often become aggressive and unsociable.

Features of behavior in the natural environment

A raccoon lives a long time in the wild, up to 20 years (in captivity - about 16 years). Having good eyesight, animals distinguish the smallest details in the dark. Their hearing is no worse, which makes them excellent predators. Animals can quickly climb trees, helped by tenacious paws with long claws. The striped raccoon is resistant to viruses, and its thick skin and fur protect against insect bites.

When danger is brewing, the furry animal shows dexterity, it flees or pretends to be dead. The striped raccoon is a nocturnal mammal; it sees in the dark and its whiskers help it navigate. During the day, the predator sleeps in a hollow or climbs into someone else's hole. The striped raccoon can climb trees, climbing to the tops, and loves to perform acrobatic tricks on branches, jumping upside down even from a 12-meter height.

Why is a raccoon called a striper?

The name of the beast is translated from Sanskrit as “Scratching with my own hands“, but the prefix “gargle” was attached to the species for a reason. They dip pieces of food into the water, fiddling with their paws, giving the impression that the animal is washing clothes. The reflex is not associated with the desire to consume clean food. The behavior is explained by the fact that the omnivorous animal in the wild catches prey in the water, sorting through mud and algae with its dexterous paws. This is a nocturnal animal, the sense of touch helps to search for food, the search for food is done by touch.

What do raccoons eat?

The furry animal is omnivorous: it prefers animal and plant foods. In spring and summer, small rodents and beetles become prey. Cleverly climbing trees, they rob nests, eating chicks and eggs. Animals can eat a small snake, but they will not refuse chickens. Crayfish and frogs are also included in the diet, if you can catch them. The mammal puts its paws into the water and begins to “scan” the bottom of the reservoir.

Having stumbled upon the treasured prey, the “hunter” grabs it and begins to rinse it. If a crayfish is caught, it splits it: it hits the rocks, and then puts it in the water to determine whether the prey is alive. In autumn, animals feast on nuts, berries, and love acorns. Gargles are impudent animals; they can climb inside a person’s house and eat supplies. Animals do not disdain waste; to do this, they rummage through garbage cans.

Reproduction and raising offspring

Females reach puberty by one year, males take longer, becoming fathers by two years. The mating season occurs during cold weather. Males try to fertilize maximum quantity females because they are polygamous. Pregnancy lasts 9 weeks, 3-4 babies are born at a time. The first time after birth, the puppies are helpless and blind; it takes them several weeks to become independent, then they stop feeding on their mother’s milk.

Owning exotic and wild animals has now become fashionable. The raccoon often appears in ordinary apartments, replacing the dog and delighting people with its spontaneous behavior. You can keep an animal at home, but you must be prepared for the appearance of a predator. When you decide to acquire an unusual family member, study the animal’s character, nutrition and maintenance requirements, and assess your readiness for such a step.

Unpretentious. Eating natural products or dry food.
Smart, inventive, quick-witted. They copy a person’s habits, imitate them, which amuses and touches them.
Sociable and curious. The owners will not be bored; the pets are ready to play and have fun, being delighted with ordinary rattles.
Clean. They take care of themselves and don’t smell like dogs.
Long-lived. The animal is in good health and lives up to 16 years on average.

Nocturnal lifestyle. The beast will disturb the owner's sleep.
Need to rinse. This feature backfires if the raccoon comes across technical devices, valuable items and papers.
Almost impossible to train. This is a wild beast whose instincts prevail.
Not always friendly. Animals may start fighting, biting and scratching.
Stubborn. They don’t like prohibitions; they do as they please.
Aggressive during mating season.
It will not be possible to keep it with other small pets: rodents, birds. They will become the prey of the beast.
Difficulties with litter box training - marking territory.

How to arrange your home

A furry pet needs its own space, and it needs to create conditions and arrange its home. The cage should be high and spacious. The pet will not like a small and cramped house; the animal’s mood may deteriorate, even to the point of displaying aggression. Housing should have several floors, each tier filled with toys or swings. Make the sleeping area soft. We also need to create an improvised hollow from driftwood where the animal will hide.

Place the cage in a bright room, but not on the balcony, so that the animal does not die from the heat. Attributes for the house: a container for food, a drinking bowl and a bowl of water where the pet will rinse its food. It is better to give rubber toys, because he will “bathe” them in the basin. The animal will have to be locked in a cage at night, as it becomes active. During the day, the pet can roam freely around the apartment. If he lives in a private house, then the enclosure can be built on the street.

What to feed a striped raccoon at home

Since the animal is omnivorous, the diet should be varied and include: dairy products (cottage cheese), meat, fish, seafood, eggs, cereals, vegetables and fruits, nuts, berries (raspberries, currants, cherries, strawberries), even cookies. Natural homemade food is preferable, but you should not exclude ready-made granules if the animal lacks vitamins and minerals. Suitable for both dog and cat food. The furry animal eats 3-4 times a day.

Caring for the animal

These are unpretentious animals and do not require special care. They need to be fed regularly, bathed occasionally, and walked periodically. They are clean and take care of their fur themselves, so you need to bathe the animal 2-3 times a year. You can use shampoo for cats or dogs. You will often have to clean the inside of the cage. Raccoons love walks, but only walk him on a leash, otherwise he will run away. There are a number of rules for care:

Stripes are cheerful and funny, but do not be deceived, they always remain predators. Playing with furry pets can result in scratches or bites. The animal attacks not out of aggressiveness, but in play, because it does not perceive a person as a master, so it is important to be careful. During the mating season, the animal can become unsociable, even aggressive.

wild beast practically impossible to train, it is difficult to force him to do something unless he himself shows curiosity and becomes interested in the task at hand. Be prepared that raccoons may not get along with other pets. Raccoons can still get used to having a cat or dog at home, but a parrot or guinea pig become prey, the striper will find an opportunity to get to the victim.

The striper is clean and prefers to relieve itself in the tray, but during the mating season it is ready to mark its territory everywhere, which will add to the mistress’s troubles. The nocturnal resident will wake up the owner for any reason, so during the day the furry pet needs to be exhausted with games. The raccoon is very restless, so it is better to keep an eye on it. He is always ready to make a mess and even ruin things, he will find many exciting activities: he can open the taps and start washing equipment or documents, flooding his neighbors, he is ready to ruin furniture, break dishes, tear off wallpaper.

Where to buy

There are nuances when buying an exotic animal. It is important not to purchase an animal that has been “kidnapped” by poachers from the wild; up to one and a half months, puppies need mother’s milk, without which they will die. There is also a chance to get a sick animal or not a gargle, but raccoon dog. In order not to be deceived, it is better to purchase a puppy from a nursery (there are guarantees of getting a healthy animal), or demand from a private seller all the documents for the individual. Special nurseries breed black-silver, gray-silver and white breeds.

How much does a striped raccoon cost?

Animals are sold by both resellers and nurseries. On the market, a puppy costs 5,000-10,000 rubles, but there is a chance of getting a sick and aggressive animal; in a pet store or nursery, the price of a puppy varies from 15,000 to 30,000 rubles. Individuals of black and silver color are more expensive.

Photo of a striped raccoon

Video

The striped raccoon is a predator that belongs to the raccoon family and is known for its extraordinary dexterity and cunning. Among biologists for a long time Disputes did not subside as to which family to include representatives of this species: felines, dogs or mustelids, but in the end, without reaching a consensus, the animal was nevertheless allocated to the category of raccoons.

The name of the raccoon is translated from Sanskrit as “one who scratches with his own hands,” and with Latin language- “similar to a dog.” The prefix "Poloskun" was attached to this species raccoons for their habit of dipping it in water and rubbing it with their paws before eating. From the outside it seems that raccoon washes clothes linen.

Features and habitat of the striped raccoon

The striped raccoon has a stocky and dense build. The total length of his body usually does not exceed sixty centimeters, and his height is thirty-five centimeters.

The weight of such raccoons varies from five to ten kilograms, although some individuals can significantly exceed this figure. Looking at photo of striped raccoon, you can notice that the animal’s fur is thick and fluffy, and the undercoat is dense and matted.

The color of most individuals has gray-yellow shades, the back and sides are usually darker. The tail of raccoons has several light and dark stripes that alternate with each other, forming a beautiful, unique pattern.

The striped raccoon has a kind of “mask”, which is its distinctive feature and sets it apart from other animals. It usually looks like two relatively symmetrical spots directly around the animal’s eyes.

The ears have a pointed shape. The paws of the striped raccoon are extremely mobile. On them the animal is able to both move and skillfully climb trees. The striped raccoon is native to both North and Central America, from which it was introduced to Europe and some Asian countries.

To date, this species has managed to acclimatize in countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Germany, France and the Netherlands. On the territory of Russia you can also find raccoons, especially within Far East.

Representatives of this species of raccoons prefer to settle directly among deciduous or mixed forests, mainly on plains or lowlands.

There must be some kind of body of water nearby: a stream, a swamp, a lake or a river. Striped raccoons living in southern areas can make their homes right on the coast.

The animal is not afraid of humans, and can settle in close proximity to cities and towns. They are often found in city squares, on the outskirts of parks and plantings, as well as among botanical gardens.

In North America, farmers are forced to wage real wars with raccoons, since they often raid chicken coops and plantings of fruit and vegetable crops.

Character and lifestyle

The striped raccoon is a predator and is predominantly nocturnal. During the day, the animal prefers to hide in a convenient hollow or other den, leaving there to hunt simultaneously with the onset of dusk.

Each raccoon has its own territory, the radius of which usually reaches one and a half to two kilometers. Directly in this area, the animal has several shelters that are not occupied by other representatives of the species.

Sometimes the border possessions of different raccoons intersect, then they have a kind of competition for “control” over the disputed area. in winter raccoon gargle hibernates unlike other members of its family. True, this applies only to those individuals that live in the northern regions.

The duration of hibernation for gargle raccoons ranges from four to five months, but the sleep itself cannot be called deep enough, because vital processes do not slow down during sleep, and body temperature does not fall.

In particular warm days the animal may even leave the shelter for several hours and take a walk. Raccoon gargle in winter shows definitely less activity than in the warm season.

During winter hibernation, striped raccoons feed on fat deposits that are deposited under the animal’s fur in a layer of up to three centimeters. Up to ten individuals can simultaneously cram into a particularly large hollow or large shelter for the winter.

The vision of striped raccoons is extremely well developed, which in turn allows them to see perfectly even in the dark. Their hearing is no worse than their sight, so why is the raccoon a gargler? is an excellent predator.

With the help of their very tenacious paws, representatives of the species are able to quickly move along tree trunks. Moreover, they can do this while upside down or sagging like sloths.

The striped raccoon is highly resistant to various viruses and infections, and the animal’s fur and dense skin allows it to protect itself from the bites of all kinds of insects, the nests of which it quite often raids.

Raccoons living in natural natural conditions, in turn, can themselves become victims of wolves, owls, and alligators. They can pose a certain threat to young individuals.

Nutrition

The main search for food among raccoons is usually concentrated around water sources. They can catch fish, arthropods, frogs and some species of turtles.

Raccoons also love turtle eggs, hamsters, and musk rats. When hunting in the forest, the animal feeds mainly on insects, larvae, earthworms, fruits, berries, nuts and bird eggs.

Some regions suffer some damage due to the fact that raccoons in them regularly raid chicken coops and places industrial cultivation birds.

Raccoons, being predators, are not averse to eating snails and squirrels. However, their diet also includes numerous berries, cherries, gooseberries, grapes, vegetables, grains and much more.

Reproduction and life expectancy of the striped raccoon

Male raccoons are polygamous. This means that directly during the mating season (which usually occurs in the cold season, but can last until the beginning of summer), they try to fertilize the maximum possible number of females.

Raccoon puppies Females are born after nine weeks of pregnancy. Usually three to four cubs are born at a time. Much less often – one or more than seven.

During the first three weeks of life, raccoon cubs are helpless and blind, but after a few weeks they become completely independent and stop feeding on their mother’s milk.

How long do raccoons live?? Raccoon gargle at home able to live more than eleven years. In the wild, the average recorded life expectancy is five to six years.

For those who want buy raccoon gargle, you should take into account the fact that the animal is a predator and prefers to be nocturnal, which in turn can cause certain inconvenience. If you want to know the features of the content, read our article.

Genus carnivorous mammals raccoon family.

The striped raccoon, the most popular representative of its genus, is found in North America, in a row European countries and Russia.

The original habitat of the animal was in America, where the most favorable conditions for the raccoon were temperate zone. At the beginning of the 20th century, this animal was brought from America to Eurasia.

First, raccoons were brought to Germany, and then spread to France, the Netherlands, and then to Belarus and Russia.

Raccoons appeared in the Russian Far East relatively recently. In 1929, when attempts were first made to acclimatize the animal. This happened on the territory of Askold Island, which is located in the Sea of Japan.

About 20 individuals were taken there, and after 3 years the number of individuals increased significantly and amounted to 350 individuals. The widespread resettlement of raccoons began in 1934, and the peak of this work was considered to be 1936, because it was then that about 40% of all resettled animals were released.

In 1967, raccoons were resettled in more than 150 administrative districts, which were located on the territory of 82 territories, republics and regions. At that time, 8850 individuals were resettled, and 5446 directly on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The raccoons immediately adapted to the new living conditions.

Although there is currently a constant growth of cities, this does not have a strong impact negative influence on the distribution of the animal. It continues to expand its habitat on the mainland.

In Russia, in the European part of the country, animals have formed a fairly extensive range, exceeding their numbers in their natural habitats.

In pre-war times, raccoons were released, which had previously been kept on fur farms. Some individuals of these animals were practically domesticated and were trusting of people, which had a very negative impact on their existence in the wild. Such animals never lived in natural conditions, so they died in the first weeks after they were released.

After the war, people tried to release only those raccoons that had already undergone the acclimatization process in many regions of the USSR. Such events brought a much greater effect than the release of semi-domestic animals.

As for where raccoons live in Russia, the animal’s habitats cover different areas. The habitat includes the territory from the western border of the state to the Urals, and from the northern regions to the southern part of Russia, including North Caucasus and Lower Volga region. Animals live in Siberia, Irkutsk, Tomsk, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, as well as in the northeastern part of Buryatia and Yakutia.

The places where raccoons live in Russia also include the territory of the Far East. In the second half of the twentieth century, in the upper Amur region, the habitat of raccoons increased by almost 4 million hectares (about 2.5 times). This happened due to the expansion of wetlands in the northeast of the Zeya-Bureya Plain, as well as a noticeable improvement in the food supply of raccoons.

Social structure: The striped raccoon is, first of all, a solitary animal.
Adult males overwinter in the den alone, but the family group often lives together during the first (for juveniles) winter.
The area of the family hunting area varies depending on the characteristics of the habitat, population, quantity and variety of food. The home range is used by the animal to obtain food, water and for rest. In agricultural areas of eastern North America, such areas are usually 1-4 km2, while in the steppes, raccoons use larger areas, up to 50 km2. The territory of raccoons living in the suburbs is less than 0.1 km 2.
Coming out of the hole at dusk, the raccoon walks around its territory in search of food. When two neighboring raccoons meet, the animals begin to growl, they lower their heads, bare their teeth, and the fur on their backs becomes ruffled. After such a demonstration, the animals usually disperse without engaging in a fight.

Family group, which consists of an adult female and her cubs, is sociable, forages for food during the night, and rests together during the day. The mother teaches the young (during their first summer of life) to climb trees, hunt and swim. The family group remains together until the adult female has her next offspring - usually until the following spring. Young males travel significantly greater distances from the maternal site than young females, who usually remain in close proximity to the maternal territory.

Reproduction: male striped raccoons are polygamous: one male mates with several females. Females are monogamous and mate with only one male. Young females often give birth within the first year of life. Young males, due to intense competition for females with adult raccoons, do not have the opportunity to mate until they are two years old. Males never stay with the female and play no role in raising and raising the young.

Breeding season/period: February-March, in southern parts throughout the range, year-round reproduction is observed.

Puberty: females - at one year, males at 2 years.

Pregnancy: 9-10 weeks (average 63 days).

Offspring: The female gives birth to 4-6 cubs in a den located in a hollow tree. Newborn cubs weigh about 60-75 g, they are toothless and blind. On days 15-20 their eyes open, and on days 18-24 their ears open. When babies are ten days old, they begin to develop a black mask on their face and the coloring characteristic of adult animals. Raccoons begin to emerge from their dens at 4-6 weeks of age. Lactation lasts up to three months. Some of the cubs leave the female in the fall, and some remain in the den until next year.

1. Adorable striped fluffies are not at all as safe as they seem. They are predators. And they often harm other forest inhabitants, especially if their population grows greatly. For example, in Belarus they declared war on a par with foxes and wolves.

2. There are only two types of raccoons. The common raccoon, living in North America, has a yellowish-brown color. And the crustacean raccoon (also under operational development under the nickname “gargle raccoon”), living in South and Central America, Europe, Belarus, Transcaucasia, we know him well from cartoons - here he is gray with a black mask on his face and black and white tail.

3. Few people know that raccoons were brought to Belarus and Transcaucasia and acclimatized.
4. Previously, raccoons were classified as members of the bear family. However, later they were separated into a separate raccoon family. Yes, they were in no way suitable as relatives to each other.
5. The raccoon has large flat paws and, surprisingly, they are pink.
6. Raccoons walk hunched over, turning their front legs outward, shuffling awkwardly as they walk.

7. Raccoons climb trees well and live mainly in hollows.

8. In winter, raccoons sleep for about four months. Apparently this is why they were previously classified as bears. However, this is not real hibernation, but torpor.
9. Raccoons are quite arrogant animals. They are not afraid of humans. They calmly settle close to human habitation and even come to visit, especially if their habitat is destroyed. In Florida, raccoons break into houses, drink beer, and eat bread. There have been cases of attacks in Germany, even in the suburbs of large industrial cities: Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg.

10. Raccoons constantly make rinsing movements with their paws. When a raccoon is looking for food in shallow water, it carefully feels the bottom - it seems that it is rinsing for something. If he has caught prey on land, and there is no water nearby in which to wash the catch (and this is what he usually does), he begins to twist and rub the food in his paws. That's why he's a sucker.

11. The breeding season of raccoons extends from December to August. Pregnancy lasts about 63 days. Childbirth usually takes place in April-June. There are usually 3-4 cubs in a litter. The weight of newborns is only 70 grams.