Description
It has a conspicuous black mask, and the furred tail is marked with alternating black and gray rings.

Average Size
The raccoon stands 9 to 10 inches at the shoulder and weighs 6 to 12 lbs.

Life Expectancy
The oldest recorded wild raccoon in the state was 13 years old.

Preferred Habitat
Raccoons occupy a variety of habitats but are mostly associated with aquatic areas. Raccoons are common in the coastal marshes and in bottomland hardwoods. Swamps with mature hardwood timber are preferred because of the availability of food and den trees. Other important areas are wooded streams flowing through agricultural areas and beaver ponds. The conversion of hardwoods to monoculture pines, the destruction of streamside timber, and development of coastal islands have reduced raccoon numbers in some areas.