Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Identified by a black mask and ringed tail, the raccoon is a carnivore and one of the most common and easily recognized mammals. Rodents, insects, frogs, wild fruit and bird eggs comprise the bulk of their diet. Raccoons notoriously scavenge in suburban garbage cans and can invade attics of homes. Litters of 3 to 6 are born in the spring, and the young remain with their parents for about a year. Raccoons are known to wash their food when near water. Carnivores like raccoons are quick, intelligent, fur bearing and adapted for hunting. Their feet are padded and have sharp claws. Teeth are sharp with a free moving lower jaw to grasp and hold food. photo by Michael R. Jeffords