Raccoon
Part of Hall of North American Mammals.
![NAM Raccoon Hero](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-raccoon-hero/722141-3-eng-US/nam-raccoon-hero_wideexact_2460.jpg 2460w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-raccoon-hero/722141-3-eng-US/nam-raccoon-hero_wideexact_1230.jpg 1230w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-raccoon-hero/722141-3-eng-US/nam-raccoon-hero_wideexact_800.jpg 800w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/exhibitions/permanent-exhibitions/mammal-halls/hall-of-north-american-mammals-images/nam-raccoon-hero/722141-3-eng-US/nam-raccoon-hero_wideexact_400.jpg 400w)
March at Midnight
Minnies Lake, Georgia
In the forest, raccoons live near lakes or streams. But human environments also suit them fine. In fact, few other North American mammals have adapted so readily to suburbs and cities. This is mainly because raccoons eat a vast variety of foods (garbage included) and willingly make dens in buildings. Raccoons also tolerate both warm and cool climates, surviving northern winters with the help of ample body fat. As long as suburbs and cities thrive, so will this opportunistic species.
© AMNH/D. Finnin
Raccoon, Shutterstock.