Raccoons, The Masked Bandits
Although many find them cute, it is for a good reason that raccoons have earned themselves the title of “masked bandit“. Don’t get taken in by that cute face, adorable bandit-like mask or fancy ringed tail. Raccoons are sneaky animals and if you don’t watch out, they may sneak up on you.
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Raccoons are very versatile animals in that they can (and will) find food almost anywhere. Not only will you sometimes find a raccoon digging through your trash can for their next meal, but they are also known to feast on garden vegetables, fruit and more. They use their sharp claws and quick paws to scrounge for small animals and can even snag a fish right out of a stream in no time flat.
And don’t think that a simple jar, bin or even a door will keep a raccoon away from food. Their paws are very strong and they can be extremely determined. Raccoons have even been known to pick locks.
As to their bandit-like mask, it is believed that the mask helps not only to improve their vision at night but to reduce glare when they try to stay hidden from a predator. They are primarily nocturnal, but can be found hunting or wandering around during the day.
One word of advice….don’t make the mistake of trying to pet or feed a raccoon. They don’t take kindly to strangers.
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