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THE HOME OF MENSA OF WISCONSIN |
| The Raccoon
(Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal native to North
America and the most widespread species of the family Procyonidae.
Raccoons are a plantigrade species, that means that the feet
only touch the ground with their soles in normal pace. Humans
and primates are examples of other plantigrade species. The front
paws of raccoons are composed of five structured fingers just
like the hands of primates, though lacking an opposable thumb.
With their vibrissae (specialized hairs, employed for tactile
sensation) above their sharp, non-retractable claws they are
able to identify objects before actually touching them. Raccoons
are omnivorous and usually most active during the night. The
raccoon plays an important role in the mythology of the Native
Americans. The word raccoon is derived from the word "ahrah-koon-em"
which was the pronunciation used by the Algonquin for the animal,
meaning "the one who rubs, scrubs and scratches with its
hands." |
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