Darby (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.
Darby was delivered to us by animal control. He was housed in the backyard of a house raided for drugs. The occupants claimed they had brought him from out of state where they had him as a pet. They admitted that once he reached sexual maturity after a year or so, he was no longer cute or cuddly. He is used to people but does not like to be handled. He is our oldest raccoon.