Hobbies And Interests
Crab-eating Raccoon
The crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) is widespread throughout South America where it inhabits mostly coastal and riverside areas. It is reclusive and solitary. The diet, as the name suggests, consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and fish including crabs and mollusks. It is not a threatened species but may be decreasing, mainly because of habitat loss.
Northern Raccoon
A number of Caribbean raccoons previously considered separate species have recently been reclassified as northern raccoons (Procyon lotor). The northern raccoon is an opportunistic omnivore which has coped well with human changes to the environment, to the point of colonizing urban areas and making full use of the food opportunities provided by garbage and bird seed. Northern raccoons are not in any danger at all; in fact, their population may be, if anything, increasing. They are common throughout North and Central America, and an introduced species in Europe and Asia.
Pygmy Raccoon
The pygmy raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) is much smaller and rarer than its relatives. It is endemic to Cozumel island off Mexico and numbers a few hundred individuals. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the pygmy raccoon as "critically endangered." Introduced diseases such as rabies and canine distemper are a major threat. It is normally a solitary species, sometimes forming family groups, and like the northern raccoon is an omnivore, eating a wide range of plant and animal foods.
Related Animals
Raccoons belong to the family Procyonidae, which also includes coatis, kinkajous and ringtails. These animals are medium-sized omnivores restricted to the Americas, except in the case of introduced species such as the northern raccoon in Europe. They all have long, and in the case of the kinkajou, prehensile tails and are excellent tree-climbers. This family belongs to the same suborder, Caniformia, as dogs, bears, skunks and seals.