Bandit
(Raccoon)
Procyon lotor
Raccoons are one of the most unusual looking mammals in North America. They are easily identified by their plump body, ringed tail, and narrow, black face mask with two white patches above the eye. They are found virtually all over the United States, and are allowed as pets in many states; hence, the reason for our permanent residents. They have a great sense of smell and hearing, but most of all a dexterous sense of feel. They have a reputation for “washing” their food which probably comes from their preference in the wild to hunt and forage near creeks and streams. They are very intelligent and mothers pass on many survival techniques to their young.
Bandit is our youngest and friendliest raccoon. As with our other raccoons, she was a confiscated pet. She often rode along in the car as the owner went about his work. She is quick to visit when people come around and is an excellent fisherman being the first to catch her goldfish when we offer them to her in her washtub. She is playful, leaping off her tree stump and exploring every inch of her enclosure.