Raccoon Rally

How much do you love racoons? October first is “Raccoon Appreciate Day,” and we’re celebrating by featuring your raccoon photos and sharing some interested raccoon information!

Raccoon in a palm, by Beth R. 

Raccoon Fast Facts:

Raccoons have highly sensitive front paws that they use to manipulate their environment. These paws are so dexterous, and raccoons so intelligent, that cities have spent millions of dollars trying to develop raccoon-proof garbage cans. 

While raccoons are native here in Florida, they’re considered an invasive species in Japan. In the 1970’s they were imported there as pets after a TV show popularized them, but now they’re loose and causes hundreds of thousands of dollars in agricultural damage. 

Raccoon in a pool, by Douglas G. 

Raccoons hold a prominent place in various cultures and folklore, often symbolizing cleverness and resourcefulness due to their intelligent nature and adaptability.

Toronto is believed to be the raccoon capital of the world, with an estimated 300 raccoons per square kilometer. 

Raccoon in a tree, by Janet G.

Their Latin name, Procyon lotor, means “the washerman,” seemingly named because it appears like raccoons wash their food before eating. It’s now believed that raccoons are wetting their forepaws to increase their sensitivity to better feel and manipulate the food they are eating. 

Their name “raccoon” is believed to be derived from an Algonquian word “aroughcun”, meaning “he who scratches with his hands.”

Raccoons on a boardwalk at Upper Tampa Bay Park, by Steven H.

Much like a football player with face paint on a summer day, the raccoon’s mask helps it reduce glare from the sun. 

Raccoons can carry rabies and distemper, so while they are adorable it’s important to leave them be. To help reduce the number of rabies cases in wild mammals, the USDA has programs that air drop treats laden with and oral rabies vaccine throughout woodlands. Raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and other critters eat the treats (often fish flavored) and become resistant to the disease.