Procyron lotor, raccoon

Raccoons prefer a wooded habitat where they den in the hollows of snags or rest on the limbs of expansive trees. The canopy offers shelter from the elements and protection from predation. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores; feeding on a variety of small mammals, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, bird eggs, roots, tubers, leaves, seeds, and fruits. In prime habitat, they become more selective in their food choices. They live in close association with wetland habitats because of the diversity in food and shelter offered by those systems. Their highly developed sense of feel is often confused with an apparent need to wash its food. Rather, the raccoon inspects the quality and suitability of the food choice by touching and feeling it. The use of water actually facilitates the inspection by heightening the sense of touch and simultaneously removing undesirable portions or inedibles from the surface. Raccoons are not dependent upon the wetland but are seldom found living far from one.