This medium
sized carnivore is readily identified by
its heavy-set body, grizzled brownish-gray
appearance, black facial mask, and banded
tail. The sexes are similar and measure from
about 1½ feet to 21/3 feet in length with
an eight to 12 inch tail that is alternately
ringed in light and dark. Weights range from
about 12 to 35 pounds.
A relatively common animal along Arizona's perennial streams, lakes, and
reservoirs, raccoons can also be found near some of the larger stock tanks
and in rural areas where permanent water is available. Although not often
seen in the wild because of its nocturnal habits, the raccoon's distinctive
five-toed tracks are commonly observed in mud around stock tanks and along
river courses. These animals are adept climbers as well as swimmers.
Raccoons are omnivores, eating whatever food is available-aquatic insect
larvae, beetle grubs, fish, frogs, crayfish, wild fruits, and even carrion.
In certain areas, these animals can be a nuisance, not only raiding garbage
cans, but also committing depredations on poultry houses, corn fields,
and fruit trees. Nonetheless, raccoon meat is considered edible by some
people, and the animal is considered more a game species than a furbearer.
Natural History
Raccoons have been little studied in Arizona, and their life history here
is not well documented. The two to five young are presumably born in spring
in a den that may be located in a rocky crevice, brush-pile, or hollow
tree. The young remain with the female until the fall when they are left
to find their own way in the world.
Hunting and Trapping History
Both pursued with dogs as game, and trapped as a fur-bearer, the raccoon
is somewhat unique in that it is the only animal in Arizona that can be
legally taken with a firearm at night. Because of their limited distribution
near water, "coons" have never been important fur-bearers, and annual harvests
from trapping have rarely exceeded 1,000 pelts. With the decline in trapping
activity over the past 10 years, this take has been reduced to only a few
dozen raccoons a year. Although its nocturnal habits make for few incidental
takings, the raccoon's status as a game animal appears more stable. Hunt
questionnaire data from general license buyers indicate an annual harvest
of another 1,200 animals a year. Most of this harvest is undoubtedly by
hunters with hounds.
Habitat
