However, this mainland β the third biggest on the planet β is home to 23 sovereign states and 23 non-sovereign domains that stretch as far as possible from Central America up through Greenland. So it is our utmost pleasure to welcome you to the wacky world of animals in North America! Brace yourself for a hilarious hodgepodge of critters, from reindeer to bug monkeys.
Get ready for deserts, woods, mountains, and everything in between to serve as their playground. These neighborhood troublemakers measure around 3 feet in length, tail included. And boy, what a tail it is! A whopping 12 inches long, thick, and all ringed up like a fashionable accessory. No wonder they strut around like they own the place. Speaking of meals, raccoons come in all shapes and sizes. Adult raccoons can weigh anywhere between 15 to 40 pounds, depending on their genetic makeup, age, available food, and living space.
Some hefty fellas have even tipped the scales at over 60 pounds! Those city slickers have figured out how to live the good life, surviving on handouts, pet food, and the delightful treasures found in garbage cans. These clever critters know how to live it up, thanks to limited hunting and plenty of human-provided goodies. Shellfish, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails? Yup, raccoons are all over that menu. While they might not be the most skilled hunters, they can still nab a few young gophers, squirrels, mice, and rodents here and there.
Except during the breeding season, raccoons prefer to fly solo. These crafty critters are true omnivores, devouring anything within their reach. In urban areas, raccoons are pros at dumpster diving, always on the lookout for tasty treats. When it comes to matters of the heart, raccoons have a specific mating season from January to June, with the peak happening in March and April.
After a cozy day gestation period, adorable raccoon packs are born. Once they can walk, run, climb, and explore alternate hideouts, they venture out with their momma. At around eight to ten weeks old, these youngsters start foraging for themselves, ready to take on the world, one snack at a time!
