Raccoon, (genus 'Procyon'), also called ringtail, one of the seven species of nocturnal mammals characterized by bushy ringed tails. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), which ranges from northern Canada and most of the United States southward into South America. It has a conspicuous black “mask” across the eyes, and the tail is ringed with 5 to 10 black bands.

A stout animal with short legs, a pointed muzzle, and small erect ears, the North American raccoon is 75 to 90 cm (30 to 36 inches) long, including the 25-cm (10-inch) tail. Weight is usually about 10 kg (22 pounds) or less, although large males may grow to more than 20 kg. Those living in northern regions are larger than their southern counterparts. The North American raccoon’s fur is shaggy and coarse, and its colour is iron-gray to blackish with brown overtones. Southern raccoons are typically more silver, with northern “coons” tending toward blond or brown.

A group of raccoons is called a nursery or a gaze. A mother usually gives birth to two or three babies called kit.

The mother will teach the kits to hunt and live in the wild. They will stay with their kits for about a year.

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