212 



TYPES OF ANIMAL LIFE 



racoons are caught in traps. They are not swift runners, 

 and if pursued take to a tree. The racoon, though cap- 

 able of being made a pet of, cannot be let loose with 

 impunity, on account of its great curiosity, which leads 



FIG. 58. 



THE RACOON. 



it to find its way into the house and examine everything. 

 It is very fond of sweets, and will remove covers from 

 dishes, corks from bottles, and soon learn to unlatch 

 doors. Its natural range extends all over the United 

 States, both north to Alaska, and south to Costa Rica, 

 attaining its largest size in the South, 



