Masked night forager. Smart enough to open latches. Rabies and raccoon roundworm matter.

Stocky, ringed tail, black mask. Dexterous front paws. Dens in sycamore hollows and barns.

Habitat

Creeks, corn, trash, attics.

Season

Year-round; dens up in the worst cold.

Size

10–20 lb

Field marks

Mask; ringed tail

Do not handle a daytime, unafraid raccoon. Rabies is real here. Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) in latrine droppings can blind or kill people — bleach latrines, don’t sweep dry.