^ common racoon. 71 



The Common Racoon, 



Procyon lotor, Cuv. North, Zool. i. 36. Ursus lotor, Linn. 

 Le Ratan, Buffon. Raccoon Bear, Petmant. 



Although this animal has been long known to natu- 

 ralists, and is often seen in menageries, we are without 

 any very detailed information regarding its natural 

 habits. Dr. Richardson enumerates the racoon as inha- 

 biting the southern districts of the fur countries belong- 

 ing to British America; and although it does not appear 

 to have actually fallen under his observation, the short 

 account he was able to procure of it is most probably 

 authentic. In its native state it sleeps by day, comes 

 from its retreat in the evening, and prowls in the night 

 in search of roots and other vegetables, as well as birds 

 and insects ; although it is said merely to eat the brains 

 and suck the blood of such birds as it kills : at low water, 

 it frequents the sea shore, to feed on crabs and oysters : 

 it is fond of dipping its food into water before it eats, 

 whence its specific name. It is an animal with a fox- 

 like countenance, but with much of the gait of a bear ; 

 and, being partially plantigrade, it was classed by Lin- 

 neeus in the genus Ursus. It climbs trees with facility. 

 The fur is used in the manufacture of hats ; and about 

 one hundred skins are annually imported from the Red 

 River, in lat. 50°, by the Hudson's Bay company. 



In captivity, the racoon, like all other nocturnal ani- 

 mals, is heavy and stupid during the day, when it rolls 

 itself up, placing the head between the thighs. It is 

 easily tamed, and soon becomes familiar, but does not 

 appear capable of much attachment or docility. The 

 racoon seems to be a well known inhabitant of the 

 greatest part of North America. 



The total length is about two feet and a half. The 

 hair of the body is grizzled. The tail, which is about ten 

 inches long, is bushy like the brush of a fox : the feet 

 are short, and all the toes armed with long, strong claws, 

 fit for burrowing. 



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