Animal facts · Ages 5–9
Raccoon facts for kids
Raccoons are clever, masked animals that live across North America. They come out at night, eat almost anything, and use their hand-like front paws to open things, including recycling bins.
10 facts about raccoons
1. They wear a mask
Every raccoon has a black band of fur across its eyes. Scientists think it cuts glare and helps raccoons see at night.
2. Their tails have rings
A raccoon's bushy tail has about 4 to 7 dark rings.
3. Their paws work like hands
Raccoons have five long toes on each front paw. They can turn door knobs, open jars and undo simple latches.
4. They feel with their fingers
The front paws have lots of touch sensors. When a raccoon "washes" its food in water, it is really feeling it to learn what it is.
5. They come out at night
Raccoons are nocturnal. They sleep in the day, often in hollow trees, and look for food after dark.
6. They eat almost anything
Fruit, nuts, insects, frogs, eggs, fish, and leftovers from our garbage. That is why a dirty recycling bin smells like dinner to them.
7. Babies are called kits
A mother raccoon usually has 2 to 5 kits in spring. They stay with her for about a year.
8. They live in North America
Raccoons are found from Canada to Panama, in forests, farms and big cities like Toronto and Chicago.
9. They are clever
Raccoons can remember how to solve a puzzle for years. City raccoons often work out how to open bins.
10. They are wild animals
Raccoons can carry diseases and may bite if scared. Watch them from a distance and never feed or touch one.
Meet Rummage
Rummage is the small raccoon who lives along the fence in The Rummage Crew books. He wears a rainbow bead necklace, carries a striped bag, and turns up on every page. Kids like to find him before the grown-up finishes reading.
In Book 2, The Case of the Tipped-Over Bin, somebody keeps knocking over the recycling bin. You can probably guess who.
Raccoon questions kids ask
Why do raccoons wear a mask?
The black fur around a raccoon's eyes probably cuts down glare, which helps it see better at night when it looks for food.
Do raccoons really wash their food?
Not exactly. Raccoons dip food in water to feel it better with their sensitive front paws. Wet paws are even more sensitive to touch.
Why do raccoons get into garbage and recycling bins?
Because bins smell like food. Leftover yogurt, jam or pizza cheese is a free meal for a raccoon. Rinsing recycling and keeping lids shut tight keeps them out.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons are wild animals. They usually avoid people, but they can bite if cornered and can carry diseases, so never touch or feed one.
Is there a children's book with a raccoon?
Yes. Rummage the raccoon appears on every page of The Rummage Crew picture books, and in Book 2 he is the one tipping over the recycling bin.