Jasmine (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.
Jasmine was surrendered to Critter Creek by a local family who found she was no longer an appropriate pet for the children. She was purchased as a baby raccoon in Arkansas. After two or three years, the family moved to California and the raccoon became even more difficult to handle. Jasmine enjoys her enclosure here at Critter Creek often lying on her back under her self-waterer, tapping it periodically in the heat of the day to refresh herself. She was quick to adapt to her new situation.