Common name : Long-tailed bear, Washer bear
Scientific name : Procyon lotor
Family : Procyonidae
Native to : North America, Europe and Japan
Interesting fact : They were first mentioned by Christopher Columbus.
Conservation status : Least Concern
The raccoon is a medium-sized bear-like mammal. It has black fur around the eyes, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding white face colouring. A study showed they can remember tasks up to three years! Its Native American name means ‘one which scratches with the hand’. For many years naturalists debated over whether it belonged to the family of bears or dogs.
