The Life of Animals | Raccoon | Head to hindquarters, raccoons measure the between 40 and 70 cm (16 and 28 in), not including the Bushy tail the which can measure the between 20 and 40 cm (8 and 16 in.), but is usually not much longer than 25 cm (10 in. ) The skull of the adult male measures 94.3-125.8 mm long and 60.2-89.1 mm wide, while That of the female measures 89.4-115.9 mm long and 58.3-81.2 mm wide. The body weight of an adult raccoon varies considerably with habitat; it can range from 2 to 14 kilograms (4 to 30 lb), but is usually the between 3.5 and 9 kilograms (8 and 20 lb). The smallest specimens are found in Southern Florida, while Those near the northern limits of the raccoon's range of growing niche to be the largest (see Bergmann's rule). Males are usually 15 to 20% heavier than females. The largest recorded wild raccoon weighed 28.4 kg (62.6 lb) and Measured 140 cm (55 in) in total length, by far the largest size recorded for a procyonid.
The most characteristic physical feature of the raccoon is the area of black fur around the eyes, the which contrasts sharply with the Surrounding white face coloring. Raccoons are assumed to ecognize the facial expression and posture of other members of Their species Quickly Because of the more conspicuous facial coloration and the alternating light and dark rings on the tail. The dark mask may also thus Enhance Reduced-glare and night vision. Raccoons with a very dark coat are more common in the German population Because individuals with coloring Such Among Those were the resource persons initially released to the wild.
As raccoons have short legs compared to Their compact torso, They are usually not Able either to run or jump great distances Quickly. Their top speed over short distances is 16 to 24 km / h (10 to 15 mph). For climbing down a tree headfirst an unusual ability for a mammal of its size a raccoon rotates its Hind feet They are pointing backwards so Raccoons have a dual cooling system to regulate Their temperature; That is, They are Able to Both sweat and pant for heat dissipation. Raccoon skulls have a short and wide facial region and a voluminous braincase.
For example, while raccoons in southern states typically mate later than average, the season in Manitoba also peaks later than usual in March and extends until June. The weaker members of a male social group are assumed to also get the opportunity to mate, since the stronger ones can not mate with all available females. In a study in southern Texas During the seasons from 1990 to 1992, about one third of all females mated with more than one male.
