Raccoons!

     Raccoons, which are also called ringtails or just coons, are inquisitive, methodical, intelligent, distinctive, and clever animals as well as savage fighters when cornered.  They're also extremely dexterous, and can turn knobs, open latches, knock over garbage cans, pry open ventilation louvers, and brazenly use pet doors to sneak into houses.

     They are stout animals with short legs, a bushy tail, pointed muzzle, and small erect ears. They are 2'6 to 3'ft. long and usually weigh about 22lbs, though large males can weigh as much as 44lbs.  Raccoons have shaggy, coarse fur, the color ranging from iron grey to blackish with brown overtones.  They are famous for their conspicuous black "mask" across their eyes, as well as their tail which is ringed with 5 to 10 black bands.  What is quite amazing about them is that their small feet, especially their forefeet, resemble slender human hands similar to those of a child.

      Raccoons prefer to live in woods near water, but easily adapt to human presence and often live in large cities as well. Raccoons are always in abundance wherever they live.  They can be found from northern Alberta, over most of the United States, and into South America.  They are nocturnal and omnivorous, feeding on a variety of arthropods, rodents, frogs, berries, fruit, plants, fish, beetles, breakfast cereal, and even kittens.  In fact, they can eat just about anything.  However, their fondness for eggs, nestlings, corn, and melons often make them a nuisance in some areas.  They are also good climbers, and usually make their dens in hollow trees, though when living in cities they will also make their nests in sewers, culverts, garages, attics, as well as the ventilation systems of buildings.  When the weather gets very cold, raccoons will sleep for long periods of time, though they do not hibernate.

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