Feb., 191 2. Mammals of Illinois and Wisconsin — Cory. 393 



on middle of forehead; ears grayish white, becoming dusky at the 



bases; tail thickly haired and rounded, yellowish gray marked with 



several blackish rings. 

 Measurements — Total length, variable, but generally about 28 to 32 



in. (703 to 804 mm.) ; tail vertebrae, 9 to 10.50 in. (229 to 267 mm.) ; 



hind foot, about 4.75 in. (120 mm.). 



The Raccoon is found throughout our limits wherever there is tim- 

 ber, being common in Illinois and southern Wisconsin, but rather 

 scarce in northern Wisconsin. It is properly an inhabitant of the 

 woods, especially in the vicinity of water, as it is fond of frogs, crusta- 

 ceans and other aquatic animals which are found along the shore; but 

 it does not confine itself to such food and is practically omnivorous, 

 devouring mammals, birds and birds' eggs, acorns, fruits, berries, etc., 

 and its fondness for green corn is well known. 



The Raccoon is largely nocturnal in its habits, but I have occa- 

 sionally seen one wandering along the shores of ponds and streams in 

 the daytime. Its home is generally in a hollow tree, although it some- 

 times uses a hollow log or a natural cave in a rocky ledge, and Kenni- 

 cott claims it will occasionally use a deserted burrow made by another 

 animal (/. c, p. 255). The young are bom in April or May and number 

 from 3 to 6. 



It is supposed to hibernate in winter in the northern part of its 

 range, but if it does so, it is probably only for a comparatively short 

 time during the coldest weather, as hunters often see their tracks in 

 the snow. 



The Raccoon uses its fore-paws like hands, and has a curious habit 

 of dipping its food in water, as if washing it before eating, hence its 

 name — lotor — a washer. This habit is very noticeable in captive 

 animals of this species. I have owned a number of Raccoons at various 

 times and have found them very intelligent, and when taken young in 

 most cases affectionate. One, which I kept for several years, was very 

 tame and when released from his cage would follow me about the 

 garden, and when I sat down would clamber up on my shoulder. Upon 

 being given a piece of fish or meat, he would waddle over to a large pan 

 of water, reserved for his use, and would dip and turn his food about 

 in the water before eating it. He was especially fond of honey and 

 sugar and had learned by experience to feel in my pocket for lumps 

 of the latter when I took him out for an airing. 



Mr. Vernon Bailey describes an incident which illustrates the 

 intelligence and affection shown by this animal. He says: ''While 

 watching for squirrels one morning in the heavily timbered bottoms, 

 I heard a scratching sound from an old cypress in the edge of the 



