The raccoon is an omnivorous animal that has adapted to the living near man’s house, becoming a ‘problem-animal’ in many situations. But over the years it has adapted so well to live among man that has become a pet in some situations. This animal is a mammal specific of North America, medium-sized and the largest of the family Procyonidae. It measures between 40 and 70 centimeters (15-27 in) and can weigh between 3.5 and 9 kilograms (7.7-20 lb).

It is a nocturnal mammal and consumes equal amounts of vegetation, invertebrates and vertebrates. This mammal has dark gray fur, thick and ideal for the cold areas in North America. A specific feature of this animal is the short front paws. Because of those, this mammal proves amazing dexterity in the animal kingdom, managing to open windows, to rummage in garbage and climb everywhere it smells food. The raccoon’s appearance is completed by the sharp snout, small and rounded ears and a face that is reminiscent of a bandit’s mask. Moreover, the intelligence of this interesting mammal was studied for long by biologists and researchers alike. It turned out that raccoons can remember various roads and paths that it made almost three years ago. The life expectancy of this mammal is 1.8 – 3 years in the wild, but in captivity it can live to 20 years.