Raccoon
Common Name:
Raccoon
Scientific Name:
Procyon lotor
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Diet: They are opportunistic omnivores eating fruits, nuts, insects and worms.
Height: 40 to 70 cm body length, 20 to 40 cm tail length and 23 to 30 cm at the shoulder.
Weight: 2 to 26 kg with most raccoons averaging between 5 to 12 kg.
Lifespan: Raccoons live up to 2-3 years in the wild and up to 20 years in zoos.
Fun Facts
- Raccoons are effective vocal communicators and can make over 50 distinct vocalizations. Raccoon noises include chittering, purring, barks, whistles, snorts and snarls.
- Raccoons analyze their world by touch and have specialized whiskers called vibrissae near the tip of their paws that transmit information when they touch an object.
- They possess amazing dexterity giving them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles and latches.
- They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter.
About Us
Rocket is a rescue that needed a new home and found his place at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. He is in training to become an animal ambassador and participates in educational programming at the Zoo.