Most names given to raccoons have to do with their habits. The Latin name is "Procyon Lotor"; Lotor means washer.  The name "raccoon" originated from the Algonquin word "arakun", which means: "he scratches with his hands."

Although raccoons seem to use their hands to wash their food, what they're really doing is using their sensitive fingers to discover something about what they are touching.  They use their hands to "memorize" what food is and what it feels like.  They also fish by feel, rather than by sight.

Raccoon adults can weigh between 5½ and 13½ kilograms ( 12 - 30 pounds,) depending on latitude, however the adult weight can vary widely. The heavier raccoons are generally in the colder climates.  13 kg (29 lb) raccoons are very common in Manitoba, and the average adult is South Carolina is about 6 kg (13 lbs.)

Raccoon signs include distinctive tracks.  The front tracks are hand-shaped with five fingers and a claw mark above each finger.  The back tracks show a pointed heel at the bottom and five long toes, each showing a claw mark above.  Scat (droppings) is generally dark coloured but that depends on what the animal has been eating.  Scat has a granular appearance and tends to be even in width like dog droppings are.  In some areas, raccoons may deposit scat on large tree limbs or logs, or on high spots and small rises in the land.  All raccoons in an area will use this communal scat pile!

Was THAT a Raccoon?

• You may have found evidence of a raccoon in the area if you have located the distinctive tracks. The front tracks are hand-shaped with five fingers and a claw mark above each finger. They are approximately three inches long, and show a rounded palm. The back tracks are approximately 9 ½ cm (3 ¾ inches) long and show a pointed heel at the bottom and five long toes, each showing a claw mark above.
• The raccoon's stride pattern is 15 to 50 cm (6 – 20 inches) or more, depending on how quickly it's moving.
• Raccoon "scat" (feces) often has a granular appearance and tends to be even in diameter. The colour is generally dark and goes from black to red. In some areas, the raccoons may deposit scat on large tree limbs or logs. Other preferred places would be high spots or a small rise in the land. All raccoons in an area will use this "communal" scat pile.
• Trees that house raccoons can be recognized by the claw scratches on the bark made as they climb.
• Raccoons are very vocal and make a variety of sounds. Research shows that they have a vocabulary of more than fifty-one distinct sounds and calls. One call sounds like a drawn-out tremulous "whoo-oo-oo-oo." It has been compared to the call of a screech owl. When raccoons are quarreling, they sound like very large, angry cats.

Front Track: 5½cm (2¼")

Rear Track: 7½cm (3")