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Raccoons Procyon Lotor

Raccoons Procyon Lotor. Rocky the Raccoon Presented by Adriana Cisneros. Where Are They Found. Found in Southern Canada and throughout the United States Live along streams, forests, coastal marshes, and scavenging garbage cans Usually make their home in hollow logs and trees

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Raccoons Procyon Lotor

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  1. RaccoonsProcyon Lotor Rocky the Raccoon Presented by Adriana Cisneros

  2. Where Are They Found • Found in Southern Canada and throughout the United States • Live along streams, forests, coastal marshes, and scavenging garbage cans • Usually make their home in hollow logs and trees • They do not live in coniferous or desert areas, or in artic tundra

  3. Name and Family • It’s scientific name is Procyon Lotor • Meaning “washer bear” • It comes from the Procyinds family which includes • Ring tails, Coati’s, and Kinkajous

  4. Characteristics • The most prominent characteristic of raccoons are • The 4-6 black or brown rings on the tail • The black mask • The bushy tail • They’re often found washing their food • The wetness makes their paws very sensitive-allowing them to reject foods

  5. Features • Most male raccoons grow the size of a housecat but can grow up to 3 ft. 3 in. and weigh in around 40 lbs. • They come in a variety of colors • Most are grayish-brown, gray, or brown, but some are golden, white with black eyes, albino, or have reddish undertones.

  6. Features • Ears are small with feet and forepaws being dexterous • Footprints are paired- • Rear foot aligns besides front foot • Print resemble that of a tiny bear • Each paw has five toes with claws

  7. Eating Habits • Raccoons eat grapes, nuts, grubs, crickets, small mammals, birds eggs, fish, frogs, crayfish, berries, mice, peanut butter, cornbread, and rare loon eggs which makes conservationists angry • They are omnivorous animals

  8. Winter Time • Raccoons do not hibernate, they aestivate • They sleep for long amounts of time but can be awoken • Hibernating animals cannot be awoken • Breeding season begins around February, sometimes even in December

  9. Breeding Raccoons • In the springtime, mother raccoons give birth to about 4-5 young. • She carries them by the neck when they are small • Baby raccoons are usually weaned by late summer

  10. Facts About Raccoons • Raccoons store their fat in their tails • This is why it is usually very scrawny in the winter • Winter is a harsh time for Raccoons • It is hard to find food in these months • Raccoons are often hit by cars because they react like they would with predators • They freeze in hopes of not being seen

  11. Raccoon Rabies • Raccoon rabies does exist • It is the highest form of rabies in the U.S and continues to spread • This outbreak was triggered when raccoons were shipped to Virginia • presidential staff during the Carter administration shipped them for hunting enjoyment • Cases began to appear in Virginia and West Virginia areas and are now found near Canada

  12. Humans and Raccoons • Human vaccination for the rabies has rapidly increased • more than 22 persons per 100,000 are vaccinated yearly • An approximate 18,000-20,000 are infected yearly • Raccoon rabies is the most dangerous form of wildlife rabies • this is because of their tendencies to look for food in urban areas near people

  13. Effects • An estimated average of 300 million dollars are spent by the U.S. in related costs • An extra 15 million are spent in treatments of infected persons • The epizootic is spreading in a northeast direction • It’s rate is 30-50 km per year despite delays by rivers • Raccoons are now the predominant rabies carries

  14. Research • Researchers are still not clear on some factors • how the infection is spread from raccoon to raccoon • why the epidemology is slowly spreading in the south • Research from other epidemics and infectious diseases have been helpful

  15. Roundworm • Recent studies have found that raccoons can pose yet another danger to society • Raccoon feces may carry roundworm eggs • Infection of roundworm into the body can be very dangerous if not fateful • If ingested, larva hatch within the body and causes deterioration in the brain

  16. Dangers Towards Children • Roundworm infection can very well be fatal for children • Children are also more prone to infection because of their curious behavior • Also, raccoons are often near urban areas • Any areas or objects having contacted Raccoon defecation is a danger

  17. Reducing Infection • Vaccination-for Raccoon Rabies • Oral vaccinations dispersed into the wild • vaccination of infected humans • vaccination of pets that may pose carriers between raccoons and humans • Take precautious measures when near Raccoons or habitats • Wash hands and keep away from mouth

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