Easily recognized by their bandit mask and ringed tails, raccoons are one of a few species of wild animals that have shown no trouble adapting to suburban and even urban environments.

Disease Transmission: The raccoon is one of four wild animals considered to be primary carriers of the rabies virus in Texas. Human and domestic pet contact should be avoided.

Habits: Raccoons are primarily inhabitants of woodlands. They seldom occur far from water. Their fondness for water is well-known and they do most of their foraging near or in bodies of water. They often make well-worn trails at the water’s edge where they have been searching for food. The den is usually a large hollow tree or hollow log in which the animal spends the daylight hours sleeping and in which it also rears its young. In urban communities, raccoons typically find shelter in attics, chimneys, under porches, houses and sheds. During the colder parts of the year, raccoons are said to "hibernate" during periods of inclement weather. This appears to be mere "holing up and sleeping," and not true hibernation. Raccoons do not exhibit the marked physiological changes — reduced temperature, reduced rate of respiration and heart beat, insensibility to pain — that characterize true hibernation.

Diet: Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, taking whatever is available. They primarily consume insects, other invertebrates, fish, birds, snakes, acorns, fruits, and vegetables.

Reproduction: The breeding season begins in February and continues through August. The single litter of one to seven, average is three to five, young usually is born in April or May after a gestation period averaging 63 days. At birth, young raccoons are well-furred and have dark skins, no rings on the tail, and the eyes and ears are closed. The eyes open between the 18th and 23rd day. The mother alone tends her youngsters, and when they have grown large enough to leave the den site they follow her about, seeking shelter when necessary. The family group remains intact long after the young ones have been weaned. The young do not reach adult size until their second year but females, at least, reach sexual maturity when 9 or 10 months old; males appear to mature sexually when about 2 years old.

Problems: Conflict occurs because raccoons can cause both damage to property, or simply may be nuisances. To identify a raccoon, look for the characteristic hand and footprints on the ground. If a raccoon is in an attic or chimney, they will usually begin to make noise at dusk and just before dawn, while squirrels will be active by day and quieter at night. Additionally, noisy vocal exchanges will take place between family members.