Raccoons are divided into two species: the raccoon dog and the common raccoon. The common raccoon is obsessed with grooming, hence its name. The animal's ancestors inhabited the American forests. Today, they can be found on the islands of India, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and Russia. Raccoons are considered valuable fur animals. Some cultures eat their meat. Sport hunting for this animal is also popular.
Description of the raccoon's appearance and where it lives
In Russia, raccoons can be seen in the Far East, the North Caucasus, and the Krasnodar Territory. They live in the Amur regionThe animals appeared in the European part of the Russian Federation relatively recently. Scientists assume that it was from here that raccoons migrated to Europe.
The body of a wild animal can reach 70 cm in length, and its tail – 30 cm, 6 kg is the average weight of a raccoonBut you can meet an animal that weighs more than 15 kg.
The body is stocky, the tail is very fluffy and striped. short legsIts fur is grayish-brown. A black stripe runs along its muzzle between its nose and forehead. A dark spot is visible between its eyes. Its tail is also ringed with black rings.
little animal moves on four legsWith its front paws, it can easily hold objects and wash its face. It also holds food with its front paws while sitting on its hind legs. With its long, dexterous toes, it can easily find food even in murky water.
When moving, it uses only its toes for support. It only uses its feet when at rest. Its feet can rotate 180 degrees, allowing it to climb trees and descend headfirst.
He lives in mixed forests, where there are many trees with hollows. But they prefer places near bodies of water. The animal is nocturnal. During the day, it sleeps in someone else's nest, the hollow of an old tree. They are not able to dig their own burrows. They can move fairly confidently in the dark and are excellent swimmers.
What does the animal eat?
He loves to destroy nests and eat the eggs of chicks. The raccoon also enjoys berries and fruits. He is very fond of wild grapes and elderberries, as well as nuts and acorns.
They may raid forest bee nests and anthills, eating the larvae. They can also be seen in potato fields. Before eating, they rinse their food for a long time in water.
The raccoon eats a variety of foods animal food:
- Frogs.
- Small sized lizards.
- Small rodents and birds.
During the summer and fall, animals try to accumulate as much fat as possible for a long winter hibernation. They will sleep for a long time, at least four months. Raccoons spend the winter in a tree hollow, climbing in there several at a time. When warm weather arrives, the raccoons emerge from their dens for a walk.
The mating season for females begins at the end of winter. Pregnancy in females lasts 60 days. The female gives birth from 3 to 7 cubsAfter four months, the young become completely independent and separate from the female. The lifespan of these animals does not exceed five years.
How to keep raccoons at home
Keeping a wild animal as a pet presents certain challenges. This animal is very active and curious. It can easily open any door or unscrew a faucet.
Therefore, he must always be under supervision. During the owner's absence and at night, he must be lock in a cageFor him to play, he needs to make a large, special enclosure.
It is necessary to ensure that a restless pet always has something to do. He also needs free time access to fresh waterThe water container must be stable enough so that the animal can easily tip it over.
Raccoons love to climb trees in forests. Therefore, your home should also have a structure for this purpose.
Taming an animal is very easy, but it's best to bring a small animal into the home. An adult animal will take much longer to get used to its owner. Once a raccoon reaches puberty, may become aggressive, less sociable. Therefore, scientists do not recommend keeping this animal with other pets.
There won't be any feeding difficulties. He can even give prepared food for animals. But you can't completely switch a raccoon to this food.
He will eat with appetite:
- fruits;
- vegetables;
- nuts,
- berries.
Raccoons love to rinse everything in water. They even do this with food, which they then immediately put in their mouths. If you offer them a bun or a cookie, they'll wash those items first, too. These actions are ingrained in their subconscious. This instinct always kicks in when a raccoon sees food and water. This is why the animal got its name. raccoon.
Raccoon dog
The raccoon dog and the raccoon are very similar animals, but there are significant differences between them.
The raccoon dog inhabits the Amur and Ussuri regions. It was introduced in the 1950s for the fur trade. Its native lands are Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula.
In appearance, it resembles a small fox, stocky, with a small pointed muzzle and short ears. Very looks like a raccoon, but there are more differences. They aren't even related.
The dog lives along river banks and prefers damp and swampy places. For its home it chooses fox or badger burrowsIt can independently dig its own nest up to 3 meters deep. It always makes two exits from its burrow. It is not afraid of people and can live near human dwellings.
This dog is omnivorous. This predator will not let any prey pass by. It prefers to hunt at night. It hunts birds, fish, and rodents. It also indulges in edible scraps and carrion. It also feasts on fruits and tree leaves. In search of food, it can travel up to 10 km in a night.
Based on the comparison of animals, it can be concluded that the raccoon and the raccoon dog are the animals are completely different.
If you don't mind the challenges of keeping this little animal and its irrepressible temperament, you're guaranteed to see its funny antics and noisy romps around the house. You'll never be bored with a raccoon!
Sergey Yar
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