Woody (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.
Woody came to Critter Creek in the spring 2020. He was
confiscated from people in Bakersfield who were raising him as a pet which is
illegal in the state of California. As is often the case, as Woody gets older
his instincts kick in and he will be less manageable. His attraction to people
makes him a poor candidate for release.
He is a big meat eater supplemented with a side of grapes