RACCOON
			Phylum: Class: Order: Family: Species: Chordata Mammalia Carnivora Procyonidae Procyon lotor (North America)

Cat-like in size, and in nature to some degree, the raccoon belongs to the same family as that of the panda. There are seven different species of the raccoon. The most widespread being the North American, which can also be found in Central America.

Raccoons are solitary, largely nocturnal animals. They live in woods or open country and spend most of the day in dens, hollow trees or rock crevices. At night they feed on earthworms, insects and frogs, as well as searching in water for crayfish and shellfish. The strange habit of washing food seen in captive raccoons is said to be a substitute for actually finding food in water.

Mating occurs in January or February. Males mate with several females, and the cubs (usually 3 to 4) will remain with their mother for about one year.