Types of raccoons: description, characteristics, habitat. Family Raccoon

These cute animals, which in fact are predatory mammals, can not be confused with anyone: it is enough to see only their fluffy striped tail and "mask" on the muzzle. Types of raccoons are few, and today we will introduce you to some of them.

Family Raccoon

The family unites different by external characteristics of small animals. Most of them are medium-sized animals with a flexible and elongated body from 31 to 67 centimeters in length and a long fluffy tail (20-69 cm); for some climbing members of the family, it performs a grasping function. The body weight of the animals varies from 0.8 to 22 kg.

Practically in all species (with a few exceptions) the muzzle is pointed, short, the ears are erect. Paws have a characteristic structure: tenacious and long fingers, standing, less often with half-stretching claws. In most species, the color varies from light gray to bright reddish-brown. On the muzzle, there are almost always markings, the tail design is annular.

Types of raccoons

The Raccoon family has 11-12 species, which are united into 8 genera. It is divided into two subfamilies: Asian and American animals. In the latter case, these are the raccoon species that inhabit Central and South America, one species has chosen North America.

The Asian subfamily includes only two species that are confined to a narrow range in East Asia. Large and small panda are the only representatives of the family living in the Old World. The most common are the following types of raccoons:

• Poloskun;
• The Trismarian;
• Barbados;
• Bahamian;
• Rakoyed;
• Guadalupe;
• The Cozumel.

Below we describe the most interesting, in our opinion, types of raccoons and give you their photos.

Raccoon-poloskun

The ancestors of this animal inhabited the forests of America since ancient times. They still live in this territory today. Not bad poloskun feels in the forests of Russia, Belarus, on the islands of the East Indies, often it can be found in the forests of Azerbaijan.

The body of a representative of this species reaches a length of sixty-five centimeters in length, with a fluffy tail accounting for at least twenty centimeters. The growth of the animal at the withers is thirty-five centimeters. Weight on the average - about six kilograms. The body of this raccoon is dense, stocky, with short legs. Color is brownish-gray. On the muzzle is a "mask": black spots with a white rim, a black band stretched from the forehead to the tip of the nose. Between the eyes is a dark spot, black rings encircle the tail of the animal.

Poloscun walks on four paws, while the front are arranged in such a way that he can keep objects and deftly wash them. Eats the animal sitting on its hind legs, and keeps the food in front. Thanks to their unusually dexterous and long fingers, these animals easily find food even in rather murky water.

Raccoon of Tresmarias

This subspecies of the raccoon raccoon lives on the islands of Mary, located on the western coast of the state of Nayarit (Mexico). The Trématiassian raccoon is larger than the striped ribbon: the average body length of adult animals is ninety centimeters (along with the tail). The coat is short and rather faded. The belly is covered with brown fur, which has a thick light undercoat.

A feature of this species that distinguishes it from other subspecies is the angular skull. Already in 1996, this species was under threat of complete extinction: in the natural environment, there were less than two hundred and fifty adults. This was due to the fact that the Tresmarias raccoon was conducted by uncontrolled hunting by the islanders, and no measures were taken to protect the animals. Since the range of these animals is small, the population is unlikely to ever be numerous.

Raccoon of Bahamas

Like some island raccoon species, this animal, in the opinion of researchers, is a subspecies of the poloscun. The Bahamian raccoon inhabits the islands of the Caribbean Sea. Outwardly, it almost does not differ from poloskun. The fluffy tail is decorated with 5-10 dark rings. Males are much larger than females. Length of body - up to 60 cm, tail - up to 40.5 cm. Color can vary - from light gray to almost black.

In captivity the animal can live up to 20 years, in natural conditions, life expectancy is much less. The Bahamian raccoon prefers the areas covered with a dense shrub, at reservoirs. It feeds on arthropods, including crabs and lobsters, will not refuse from frogs and plant foods: nuts, acorns, berries. The behavior of the representatives of this subspecies has been little studied, nevertheless, the researchers believe that they lead a rather nocturnal lifestyle. Build a den that is used for sleeping and resting. They are active throughout the year, they do not fall into hibernation.

The Bahamian raccoon prefers loneliness, of course, except for the mating season. Sexual maturation in the female comes to a year, in males - to two years. Pregnancy lasts about ten weeks. After this period, 4 to 6 cubs are born.

Raccoon of Cozumel

This kind of raccoon is called a dwarfish and endemic species of the island of Cozumel (Mexico). It is much smaller than its relatives, and it is easy to distinguish from them by a black broad mask that spreads to the very throat. In addition, the animal has a luxurious golden-yellow tail, widening at the end, and a slightly rounded nose.

The upper part of the body is covered with a brownish-gray coat with small inclusions of black hairs, and the lower part and legs are covered with fur of pale brown color. The gray-gray color of the upper part of the head contrasts sharply with the white fur of the chin and muzzle, as, indeed, with the black mask around the eyes.

The tail is yellowish, with six dark brown or black rings. The length of an adult animal (with a tail) varies from 58 to 82 cm, tail - 26 cm, weight - from 3 to 4 kg. The Coonman racoon is now on the brink of extinction. The population of these animals is only 250 individuals. This is due to a limited area. This is the endemic of the island of Cozumel, whose area is 478 square meters. Km.

Rakoid

Raccoon - a native of South and Central America. Usually these animals settle in a marshy wet terrain. Next to its habitat, there must necessarily be a pond - a river, a lake or even a stream. The raccoon is a fairly large representative of the family. Its weight reaches ten kilograms, and the body length is a meter. Males are larger than females.

The rakood has a coarse fur with short hairs. The upper part of the body has a red-brown hue, and the lower part is painted in gray. The front legs are pure white, the back legs are with brown patches. The animal's foot is wide, the fingers are movable and very long, ending with sharp claws. This animal has an unusual gait, reminiscent of a bear.

The animal has a sharp ear: it catches even faint sounds at a great distance. The raccoon is a beautiful swimmer and diver. It is difficult to call it silent, because it produces many sounds - from a menacing growl to howl. In addition, he can whistle and click his teeth.

Today, raccoons are often planted as pets. If you also want to buy such an exotic pet, we recommend you weigh the pros and cons. Keep the raccoon in a spacious aviary. It is easy to tame, but do not forget that it is a predator, although small in size. According to many owners, it is almost impossible to dislodge biting his hands. It's not because of its harmfulness - it's a kind of communication. But future owners should know about it, so as not to be disappointed in their pet.