The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a mammal in the Procyonidae family of raccoons. It is a procyonid. It is also known as the Northern Raccoon.

The Common Raccoon has peppery-grey fur with long hair. It also has underfur, which acts as an insulator to keep it warm in winter. It has a black face mask, a ringed tail, short rounded ears, black rounded eyes, and a dog-like nose. Its front claws are sharp.

It measures 40-70 centimetres (16-28 inches) long. 

It is native to North America, but it also appears in Europe and the Caucasus. It prefers forested areas, but will also live in coastal marshes, prairies, and urban areas.

It is usually nocturnal, active at night. It is omnivorous, eating invertebrates, plants, and small mammals.

Usually it lives in same-sex groups of up to four individuals. 

The female gives birth to 2-5 young, called kits, after a pregnancy of about 65 days. The mother raises her kits.

The Common Raccoon lives, on average, for over 20 years.

Location of photographs: Tbilisi Zoo, Georgia

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM