Raccoons belong to "those who came before dog's family". This mammel is highly intelligent. They average 2 to3 feet long(including tail) and 12 inches high, weigh approximately 8 to 22 pounds (heaviest in Autumn), and live 10 to15 years. Females produce 1 litter a year, numbering from 1 to 5 babies. Raccoons are found in many different habitats., especially near streams, ponds, and marshes in mature wooded areas. As humans have moved into Raccoon habitats, this mammel has proven more adaptable than most. For nesting sites it prefers warm, dry, dark, easily protected areas. In the wild, dens in tree hollows, hollow logs, sometimes in rocky caverns. In urban areas. Raccoons may nest in drain pipes, basements, crawl spaces and house attics. Raccoon population are actually densest in suburban and urban areas. Raccoons will eat what ever their inviroment provides. In the rural environment, they eat insects, nuts, worms, frogs, shellfish, mammals, birds, eggs, grubs, snakes, and fruit. In agricultural areas, they may feed on corn crops, poultry, garden, orchard vegetables, and fruit. In urban settings, an easily opened garbage can is hard for them to resist. They are nocturnal but are occasionally active in daytime. They are fairly sociable and often den with other Raccoons. In colder regions, Raccoons may sleep for a good portion of the Winter, in Summer, they find shady, cool places to rest. They are territorial with limited private ranges, approximately 1 mile in diameter. Often their territories overlap with those of other Raccoons but boundry clashes are rare. When confronting each other, they often grunt threateningly but seldom fight.Raccoons have been observed dunking their food in water before eating it.This behavior in captivity is thought to mimic behavior in tthe wild, where Raccoons hunt in or near water and hold their catch submerged before eating it. In the wild. they do not wash all food before eating.
Orphaned Baby Raccoon: It is normal for Raccoon mothers to leave their young in order to hunt. It is also normal for kits to whine and cry like puppies. Unless you can observe the area for many hours, it is difficult to determine whether the mother is truly missing or just temporarily away. If the young cry continuously, with no quiet periods during which the mother may be feeding them, call local wildlife agencies to get further information on evaluating the situation. The Raccoons primary enemies are humans, dog packs, traps, and automobiles. Many wood-be larger predators know better than to take on an adult Raccoon, a tough fighter with razor-sharp teeth. If threatened, the Raccoon will often try a counter threat, fluffing out its fur so that it appears larger and uttering a throaty growl or cry. Raccoons may appear bold but usually are not aggressive except during mating season or when defending their young. However, their strength, teeth, and claws equip them to defend themselves effectively.
Source: Project Wildlife: Living with Raccoons.
PS. My personal note: If you love them, allow them to remain free.
Please come back and bring your friends.