Procyon Lotor   

Biological Overview

Habitat  

Raccoons moved from wetlands to the city for food  

Diet  

Raccoons are omnivores that scavenge  

Role in Ecosystem  

They support the ecosystems health by spreading seeds around and managing rodent and insect populations.  

Behavior  

Raccoons go into the city and dig through the trash for food   

Human Impact

Humans impact raccoons lives by hunting them and trapping them for their fur. They had to adapt to living in the city since things like deforestation and fires have been happening, so they started getting their food by scavenging through trash. Doing this has caused different behaviors and changes in raccoon appearance, like shorter snouts. Humans have also affected raccoons lives by road accidents and pest control. 

Creative Exploration

The moon acts like a spotlight, the fence is his track,  
A well known clever bandit with stripes on his back.  
With a mask on his face and eyes that are as smooth as beads,  
He hunts in the garden to get everything he needs.  
There’s no lid that’s too heavy or latch too tight,  
For a smart little guy who works at night.  
With similar fingers, so tiny and quick, 
Opening the trash can is his best trick. 
He dips his snack in water, so clear, 
To wash off the dirt while the morning is near.  
Splashing and scrubbing, a wiggle of his nose,  
Now he’s off to the woods with his little toes.  
He climbs up a tree and hides in the leaves,  
But still makes sure that nobody sees. 
So when you’re in bed and think the worlds asleep,  
You have been mistaken while he is having a feast. 

Braylin Toon, Ava Morton 

Book 2