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Raccoon

Raccoons are well known throughout the world as they are found in North and South America as well as in parts of Asia. They are an extremely adaptable species and one of the few that has adapted well to human encroachment. They can live in wooded areas, suburban areas, and even busy cities. They do not face many threats and are opportunistic eaters. They will eat whatever is convenient. Their masks, black fur around their faces, acts as an anti-glare device and is thought to also enhance their night vision.

  • Meet the Raccoon
  • Identification
  • History
Garcia Raccoon

Garcia Raccoon

Lifespan

Raccoons in the wild, on average, live about 5 years. In captivity they can live into their mid teens.

Shape & Size

Raccoons, at the should, can range between 9-12 inches and can weigh between 7-20 pounds, on average.

Color Pattern

Raccoons have gray bodies and a distinct black and grey ringed tail. They also are notorious for their masked face.

Behavior

Raccoons are very intelligent and curious. They are nocturnal and do most of their foraging at night. They seem to wash their food before eating it, by dunking it in water before they eat it. Their hands are very dexterous and it is believed they have sensitive nerves in their fingers and paws that help them forage. Raccoons are primarily solitary and do not tend to stray far from their dens when they venture out at night.

Habitat

Raccoons live in wooded areas and do exceptionally well in urban settings. They are on of the few animals that have thrived as humans have expanded their range. They figure out how to navigate human obstacles like trashcans and can easily things like climb fire escapes.

Principal Threats

New Guinea Singing Dogs are critically endangered and no one is sure just how many are left. Many of their threats come from humans who have hunted them in the past and killed them if they have taken the farmers chickens. It was once deemed 'unworthy' of scientific study because it was believed to be a variety of feral dog. Due to this being proven untrue, organizations are now attempting to study and protect them.

Range Map

Range

Raccoons can be found in most of North and South America. There are many species within the raccoon family including kinkajous and coatimundis. Raccoons are found in most of the United States except the Rocky Mountains and hot desert areas.

Food

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters. They are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. Raccoons will eat catch and eat fish, crawdads, frogs, and other amphibians. They will also eat insects and nuts, along with anything they can find in an opened trash can.  

Reproductive Habits

The raccoon has a gestation period of 63-65 days. They will have between 3-4 babies on average and the babies will stay with their mother through their first winter. 

Behavior

Raccoons are nocturnal animals. They do the majority of their foraging at night. They are occasionally out during the day though. They are curious animals that love to get into things that often makes them a nuisance to humans. They are easily adaptable, eating almost anything they come across. When frightened or angered they will make hissing noises and will growl. 

Conservation

Raccoons are listed as least concerned on the IUCN Red List. They are actually thriving as humans expand their territory, adapting well to urban environments.

Fun Facts

  • Raccoons are able to climb down trees head first.
  • Raccoons are found in many countries outside of the Americas due to humans bringing them there. In the 1970's Japan imported nearly 1500 of them a month so people could have them as pets. When they became too much to handle, they were released into the wild.
  • During part of his presidency, President Coolidge had a raccoon in the white house as a pet.
  • There are 6 raccoon species native to North and South America.
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1940 Hanks Chapel Rd.
Pittsboro, NC 27312
(919) 542-4684
(919) 542-4454
info@carolinatigerrescue.org

Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

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About Carolina Tiger Rescue

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Carolina Tiger Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit wildlife sanctuary whose mission is saving and protecting wild cats in captivity and in the wild.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

1940 Hanks Chapel Rd. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 542-4684 (919) 542-4454 info@carolinatigerrescue.org

Wildlife should be in the Wild

Rescue

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  • We believe the ideal home for wildlife is in the wild.
  • We believe it is critical to conserve their native habitats.
  • We believe wild animals should not be kept as pets.
  • We believe captive breeding should ONLY be done in accordance with Species Survival plans.
  • We believe all wild animals, both captive and in their native habitats, deserve to be treated with respect and not exploited for entertainment and commercial purposes.
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Public Tours

Twilight Tours

Coming out for a tour is a great way to learn more about the animals that call Carolina Tiger Recue home. We offer many different types of tours.  Public tours are great for adults and families. Twilight tours are for adults only (18 years of age and older). Tiger Tales are a perfect option if you want to bring out really young children. Find the tour that is right for you and enjoy a walk through the sanctuary.

For all tours, tickets must be purchased in advance.

Find all of Our Tour Options Here

Have Fun Learning at Carolina Tiger Rescue

Field Trips

Field Trips

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Virtual Field Trips

Education is key to our mission.  We enjoy teaching "kids" of all ages!  Our field trips, both virtual and onsite, are ideal for groups of kids.  Our "Kid for a Day" Adult Camp provides a unique learning opportunity while allowing adults to channel their inner child.  While all of these opportunities are structured differently, in the end we want everyone to walk away knowing more about the animals we care for and what they can do to help protect them.

See More of our Educational Opportunities
Bobcat at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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BOBCATS
Caracal at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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CARACALS
Coatimundi at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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COATIMUNDIS
Cougar at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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COUGARS
Kinkajou at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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KINKAJOUS
Lion at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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LIONS
NGSD at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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NGSD
Porcupine at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Porcupines
Raccoon at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Raccoons
Red Wolf at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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Red Wolves
Serval at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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SERVALS
Tiger at Carolina Tiger Rescue
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TIGERS

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Group Volunteering

There are so many ways to be a part of Carolina  Tiger Rescue.  Individual volunteers are able to help in many aspects of our work, including animal care, tour guides, construction, and gift shop assistance.  Work groups come from community groups, colleges, work places, and more!  It’s a great way to spend a day and it helps care for the cats.

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