Raccoon Bones For Sale? Top Answer Update

Texas Toothpick is a euphemism for the true nature and intent of this two-pronged S-curve. I almost saw it as the next issue of What Is This Thing? but decided that its application is not discreet enough or practical enough to make it a fair choice. But still, you’re probably wondering, “Uh, what is that thing?”

Those in the South might recognize it and its Texas Toothpick name, but for everyone else, this is an authentic (and sterilized) penis bone from a large American raccoon. It’s about 5 inches long. Compared to the size of the raccoon itself – and remember this is just the bone, not the whole boner – that’s quite a rock star. Or rather a porn star.

So what do you want with a big ol’ raccoon tail? Good luck at the love game and an outstanding performance at the great DNA dance; Texas Toothpicks are love and male enhancement charms. According to the listing, in some parts of the South, young suitors tie a red ribbon around a Texas toothpick and present it to a potential mate as a token of their affection. Another belief is that raccoon penis bones enhance masculinity and a sexy sense of time.

Some guys even take their Texas toothpicks, grind up the bone and mix it into drinks or smoothies. Good. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to get someone to do it to you.

And I think that’s why sellers emphasize that their Texas toothpicks are sold sterilized.

If you, or maybe a guy you know, is struggling in the love/sexy time department, Texas Toothpicks are the perfect size for a stocking filler and are ready to push the turkeys aside to become the season’s new favorite wish bone.

DudeIWantThat.com is supported by readers. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Enter the characters you see below

Sorry, we just need to make sure you’re not a robot. For best results please make sure your browser accepts cookies.

By popular demand, raccoon penis bones are finally available! Here is our holiday video, good all year round!

Get your Baculum today, wear it proudly and be the envy of all your friends!

Since JT LeRoy and SARAH have spread the good word about raccoon penis bones internationally, let’s let JT tell you more about it himself….

RACCOON PENIS BONE

by JT LeRoy

“Massaging a man’s prostate through his rectum hole is like spinning the wheel of fortune in heaven,” says Cassiemay. “There’s a good chance you’ll win.”

She smiles with a sly nod and shoves the raccoon penis bone off her squat neck—which, along with the raccoon penis bone, is a sign of an established and experienced lizard: a prostitute who works at the rest stops. That extra neck length, achieved just by performing unsettling oral feats in the tight spaces of cars and truck cabs, looks naked for even longer, and she does an up-your-or-deep-anal-probe motion with the bone. “Put that on,” she commands, pulling out of her sequined panties a plastic thermometer cover – stolen from all the local lizards in such quantities that the infirmary is now keeping it locked up along with the most transcendent medicines. But locks prove useless obstacles to a determined lizard who knows how to court a man’s rectum hole with a raccoon penis bone and, with it, any keys that might be under his care.

Cassiemay hands me the protective case for the thermometer and nods appreciatively as I pull it on like a to the bone hanging around my own neck.

“How about…?”

Cassiemay spits on the plastic cover. “That’s all you need.” Suddenly she grabs my hand, clenches it into a tight fist, and begins banging my fist hole with the bone. “When you’re done massaging, first push out the raccoon bone.” She gracefully pulls out the bone, then gently plucks the limp thermometer cover from my clenched hand. “You don’t even want to think about that,” she says, tossing the plastic wrap over her shoulder with a wink.

Raccoon Penis Bone Edification

I’m now going to digress from the above anecdote to address what the heck a raccoon penis bone is. A raccoon penis bone is a sexual amulet used in the southern United States, Midwest, and parts of the Appalachian Mountains. It can be worn as a necklace, or players can wrap a $20 bill around it, tie it with red thread and keep it in their pockets for better fortune. People sometimes put a raccoon penis bone under the bed or between the box spring and mattress to make the man or lady work better, longer, stronger and harder with a strap-on. To maximize the pleasure of selling their wares, the Lot Lizard often carries a raccoon penis bone for added strength, and utilizes the bone’s useful physical design in their trades.

But are they real?

Penile bones are moderately common. Foxes, bears, coyotes, walruses, seals and squirrels are proud owners of them. The largest come from walruses and seals and can be as long as a healthy man’s forearm bone. The name for the penis bone among the Aleutians of Alaska is oosik (pronounced “ou’ sick”). They are used to make dog sled parts and adorned with scrimshaw (decorative carvings). The penis bones of mice and squirrels are tiny. They don’t mean much.

Raccoon penis bones are the most popular as sex spells as they have the most impressive penis bone relative to the animal’s dimensions. Or to paraphrase it in layman’s terms, it’s best hung.

For the essentially male gentleman uncomfortable saying the word “penis,” an alternative name for the raccoon bone is “Spanish bone” (similar to the Spanish fly), or simply “raccoon bone,” “woodpecker bone,” and the ever-fashionable charm of “Love Bone.”

A word to animal rights activists

The raccoon, or Procyon lotor, in the United States is considered by many to be a rodent-type pest. Those who wear his penis bone or baculum and practice his medicine are certainly not of this defamatory opinion. To retain its true intoxicating powers, a bone must be harvested from an undomesticated raccoon that has treated its creator in an honorable and respectable manner. Which might mean he was a tasty nibble for a bobcat or a horned owl, but more commonly, the mighty raccoon is felled by his prime predator: the gas-powered vehicle. Daybreak, along the sides of most US thoroughfares, is always the preferred time and place to gather a sizeable crop of raccoon penis bones.

Now I could go back to more stories about the raccoon penis bone, but that would be an unreasonable action on my part. In the interests of self-sacrifice, I would prefer that you purchase my book SARAH, which has more rollicking legends about Penis Bone & Lot Lizard in the West Virginia wilderness than you could shake an Oosik.

How to get your bones

You can order bones HERE under “Accessories” with all major credit cards. Or you may send a check made payable to Doves Diner Inc. or money order for $20.95 for a bone signed by JT LeRoy to: Doves Diner Inc., Bone Administrator, 225 Hyde Street, Suite 111, San Francisco, CA 94102. Each bone sale is part of our fundraiser for the San Francisco Independent Living Resource Center: $5.00 from each autographed raccoon penis bone is donated to ILRCSF, the organization that ensures people with disabilities are full social and economic partners , both within their families and in a fully accessible community. You can learn more about their mission at https://www.ilrcsf.org/

Well, you need a respirator and full covering clothing. You will need a double-layer plastic garbage bag and a shovel. Put the animal in the bag and then all the feces and urine in the bag. Dispose of it immediately, and then boil out your clothes and tools. After all that, the area should be safe to use.

What would eat a dead raccoon?

Predators – Raccoons living in the wild can be prey to some natural predators, including cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. Birds of prey like great owls and eagles may be looking for young raccoons, also known as kits.

What do I do with a dead raccoon in my yard?

If the deceased is on your property, you are responsible for it – wrap it up and throw it in the bin, the advice was. However, if he were on a county road, that would be a different matter. Then the county would pick him up.

What can you tell a dead animal to putrefy?

It is recommended to cover the dead animal with lime or similar material before covering it with soil. This helps with decomposition and reduces the potential for odors. In areas of high groundwater, animals may not be buried within three (3) feet of groundwater depth.

Is it safe to pick up a dead raccoon?

Remember that you should never handle a dead raccoon’s body without proper training. You can still get infected with communicable diseases like rabies and raccoon roundworm.

Can you get rabies from a dead raccoon?

Dead animals cannot transmit rabies. However, if you find a dead rabies vector species (raccoon fox skunk or bat), the animal should be tested.

How much does it cost to remove a dead raccoon?

It costs about $175 to $300 to capture and relocate a single raccoon. Removing a dead raccoon costs about $275 to $300, while removing a nesting mother and her babies costs about $600 per group.

The Discovery series Moonshiners has been on the air since 2014 and Digger and Mark and the rest of the cast are keeping the 200 year tradition of moonshining alive.

The show returns for a new series in 2021. While some aspects of moonshiner life have been catapulted into the 21st century, it seems some traditions just shouldn’t be broken, so let’s take a look at why moonshiners use a raccoon pecker in the distillation process.

Screenshot: Moonshiner upset after buyer threatens his safety with an unexpected guest | Moonshiner

The moonshiners’ distillation process was examined

To make moonshine, water is mixed with corn, malt and sugar in a large pot and heated to over 70 degrees Celsius.

During a 2020 episode of Moonshiners, Mark Rogers explained how he wanted to double-distill his liquor to make more money. From the pot to the condenser, the distillation process produces a 100 proof moonshine, then it is distilled again and his plan was to finish with 170 proof moonshine.

During the episode of Moonshiners, Mark Rogers and Huck were remodeling an old still, Mark said, “When you’re this far back in the mountains, it’s a long way from here. If you have something lying around that you can see that works, you better use it.”

Read more: What happened to Jim Tom on Moonshiners?

What is a pecker in the moonlight?

If Moonshiners viewers noticed the phrase “pecker” being used, wonder no more what it means.

Online sources confirm that the pecker used in the moonshine distillation process is a raccoon penis bone. “It is placed in the spout of a moonshine still so that the distillate can flow smoothly into the receiver.”

The small bone is sterilized and used to transfer the moonshine from the still into the jar.

Kendra Sells Hollywood | Official Trailer | Discovery + BridTV 5939 Kendra Sells Hollywood | Official Trailer | Discovery+ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a1VpRAdCWQc/hqdefault.jpg 885136 885136 center 22403

Why do moonshiners use a raccoon woodpecker?

One person who visited the Dawsonville Moonshine Distillery in Dawsonville, GA in 2018 wrote on Facebook, “I learned that the bone of a raccoon penis is a crucial tool for the oldtimers to keep the still’s drop in the glass!”

Many moonshiners are also raccoon hunters, so they have “peckers” on hand.

As Mark Rogers said in a previous Moonshiners episode about using the items you have lying around, given the remote distilling locations, a raccoon pecker is probably closer to hand than many other things. It can also be traditional to use the woodpecker rather than some type of new item. A “possum pecker” is also an alternative. And an Alabama or Raccoon Pecker toothpick is another name for moonshiners’ tool.

See also: Does Eric “Digger” Manes from Moonshiners have a wife?

WATCH MOONSHINERS ON DISCOVERY EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 9PM

AND GET FREAKY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK

Some online articles recommend bleaching your bones. NEVER use bleach on bones to turn them white. Why you might ask? Bleach erodes the structural integrity of the bones, so they don’t last long. When degreasing your bones, try not to use detergents or cleaning products that may contain bleach. (We’ll talk about how to properly degrease your bones a little later.)

How do I get my bones light and white you might be wondering? The answer is H2O2 or hydrogen peroxide. This everyday chemical works safely and efficiently to lighten bones. There are many types of hydrogen peroxide, the most common you’ll find at your local drug store is 3% and not strong enough to turn bones clean and white. For best results, you need 12% or more hydrogen peroxide.

Luckily, hydrogen peroxide lurks in another common product: hair developer. Who knew your peroxide blonde would come in handy for DIY! Hair developers are available in higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and are great for cleaning bones. Hair developers are sold in strength by volume but it’s not that simple as 10V equals 10%. You’ll need at least 12% hydrogen peroxide, so look out for a 40-volt hair developer. If you are unsure, be sure to check the active ingredients.

Starch isn’t the only thing to look for when choosing the right bone cleansing hydrogen peroxide supplement. Clear and cream are the two most common types of hair developer and both can be used to clean your bones. Clear developer is a liquid and bubbles up nicely, leaving your bones bright and white. As it says on the can, cream developer is a cream emulsifier. Because of this, it doesn’t fizz like a clear developer and can’t get stains deep from the bones. However, it’s great for drawing directly onto bone in all those hard-to-reach places. You can find both types of hair developer in larger sizes at beauty supply stores or online.

First of all, a “baculum” is a bone found in the penis of many mammals. The baculum of various animals is associated with a great deal of Americana and folklore. Most male mammals have baculum, although no two species are identical. Raccoon, bear, and skunk baculums are the most commonly found in a taxidermist’s possession. Known in the South as “Texas toothpicks” or “Abrahams,” it is not uncommon for baculum to be used in bridal bouquets, as toothpicks, or as jewelry by women trying to conceive. In Alaska, the baculum of black bears and grizzly bears is used as a cocktail stirrer. Polar bear baculum were traditionally used as knife handles by the Inuit. In 2007, a fossilized walrus baculum that measured over four and a half feet long sold for $8,000. Some Hollywood stars have even worn raccoon baculum earrings. What you do with yours is up to you, but they make interesting conversation pieces and every bear hunter should have one.

So what do you do when you have your baculum? You could spend the money to have your local taxidermist handle it, or you could spend less and have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. It’s easy and this method works for any baculum.

Materials:

Arm and Hammer Super Laundry Soda

hydrogen peroxide

measuring cup

Pot

bleaching

toothbrush

Steps:

If tissue is still attached to your baculum, soak the bone in a bowl of bleach at 30-minute intervals until it dissolves. Prolonged exposure to bleach can damage bone, so don’t leave it on too long. Fill a small saucepan about half full with water. Measure out half a cup of baking soda and pour it into the water. Boil the water. Place baculum in water and boil for six to ten minutes. Take out of the pot. Using an old toothbrush, rub hydrogen peroxide on the bone to lighten it to the desired color.

Editor’s note:

The mammalian penile bone is designed to allow reproduction to take place longer, which increases reproductive success. The baculum of adult male black bears is typically between five and seven inches long. Other animals that have baculum include gorillas, chimpanzees, skunks, rodents, cats, otters, weasels, bats, and dogs (among many others).

*Interesting: Some believe that the “rib” in the biblical creation story is a mistranslation of a biblical Hebrew euphemism for baculum, and that it was the bone removed by Adam to create a woman, marking its absence in humans , but explains its presence in other primates.

Serve the chili hot in large bowls along with appropriate ingredients such as beans, chopped onions, scallions, tomatoes, rice, pasta, Texas toothpicks (slivers of jalapeño peppers), sliced ​​jícama, sour cream, shredded cheese, coleslaw, and etc. as discussed in Chapter 18.

Raccoons, like squirrels, are notorious for rummaging through trash cans and entering human homes. Adorned with distinctive mask-like facial markings, fluffy tails, and almost human-like hands, humans have a love-hate relationship with raccoons. However, there’s a lot we don’t know about these fluffy but ferocious bandits. Learn more about this animal with these raccoon facts.

Fast Facts Essential Facts Interesting Facts Raccoons have as many as 22 existing subspecies. They live up to 2-3 years in the wild. Female raccoons give birth after only about 65 days of gestation. Depending on the species, they can reach a length of about 51 to 102 cm. Like humans, they have five fingers. The common raccoon is native to North America. The scientific name of the common raccoon is Procyon lotor. Raccoons are related to coatis, kinkajous, and ringtails. Several raccoon species live today. They can live much longer in captivity, with the oldest records being 20 years old. Raccoons are mostly loners. Their feet are plantigrade, much like human feet. Raccoons were introduced to parts of Europe and Asia because of humans. Raccoons are omnivores. They have non-opposable thumbs. The term for a group of raccoons is a peek or nursery. Their fur was used for clothing and hats. Raccoons were once thought to be related to bears. Their main causes of death are hunting, disease, and vehicles. Raccoons are nocturnal.

Contents 01 Raccoon fur protects against the cold. 02 Raccoons have shared toilets. 03 Raccoons have a keen sense of touch. 04 Once upon a time there was a presidential raccoon in the White House. 05 A baby raccoon is referred to as a “kit”. 06 Pygmy raccoons exist as a case of insular dwarfism. 07 Little raccoons are threatened with extinction. 08 Tropical raccoons eat a lot of crabs. 09 They were originally forest animals. 10 raccoons “wash” their food. 11 Raccoons are named after their hands. 12 Thanks to their dexterous hands, they can open containers. 13 They have surprisingly good night vision. 14 They are mostly color blind. 15 Although they look similar, the raccoon dog is not related to raccoons. 16 Raccoons have been incorrectly related to many different species. 17 Raccoons are intelligent. 18 Urban raccoons are smarter than their rural cousins. 19 Raccoons can be unpredictable. 20 raccoon face tags can have a purpose. 21 Raccoons are part of Native American culture. 22 Raccoons have a great sense of smell. 23 Raccoons can host many parasites and diseases. 24 In many languages, raccoons are named for their “washing” behavior. 25 Male raccoons have bones in their penises. 26 You have good hearing. 27 The weight of raccoons varies significantly. 28 Although mostly solitary, raccoons can form social groups. 29 You can eat a wide variety of foods. 30 raccoons can teach their offspring.

Raccoon fur protects them from the cold. Raccoons have a thick undercoat that naturally insulates them and protects them from the cold. In common raccoons, fur color can vary from silvery to blond, brown, or black hues.

Raccoons have shared toilets. Raccoons typically have communal latrines where several people defecate. Raccoon feces often contain undigested seeds and berries that birds and other animals might feast on.

Raccoons have a keen sense of touch. Of all their senses, touch is the most developed and important of raccoons’ sensory abilities. Because they process their environment primarily through touch, raccoons have whiskers near the tips of their paws. A large part of their brain is devoted to processing what they touch, particularly with their front paws or “hands”. Humans, on the other hand, rely more on sight. Raccoons essentially see with their hands.

Also Read: 30 Adorable Facts About Siamese Cats That Will Steal Your Heart

Once upon a time there was a presidential raccoon in the White House. Raccoons are often hunted for their fur, but it’s not uncommon to cook them for dinner. In 1926, US President Calvin Coolidge received a raccoon to eat for Thanksgiving. However, Coolidge refused to have it killed or eaten. Instead, they adopted it as a raccoon. The Coolidges gave her the name “Rebecca”. For Christmas, Rebecca the Raccoon received an embroidered collar engraved with “White House Raccoon”. She also participated in events such as the White House Easter Egg Roll. Towards the end of his presidency, Coolidge donated Rebecca to DC’s Rock Creek Park.

A baby raccoon is referred to as a “kit”. A baby raccoon or cub is born blind and deaf. After about two months of gestation, a female raccoon gives birth to a litter of about 1-7 cubs. Female raccoons are called sows while males are called boars.

Pygmy raccoons exist as a case of island dwarfism. Insular dwarfism, or insular dwarfism, occurs when animals develop much smaller bodies compared to their mainland cousins. Their genes also tend to branch out over time, creating a distinct species. Such is the case with the Cozumel raccoon, or pygmy raccoon. Compared to their common relatives, pygmy raccoons are smaller and lighter.

Pygmy raccoons are threatened with extinction. Pygmy raccoons are found only on the island of Cozumel in Mexico. Due to their limited habitat, only about 250-300 individuals remain in the wild, putting them close to extinction if left unchecked.

Tropical raccoons eat a lot of crabs. Several species of raccoon are found throughout the tropics and subtropics, including the Cozumel raccoon and the crab-eating raccoon. As the name suggests, these raccoon species are known for their diet of crustaceans, which make up more than half of these raccoons’ meals.

They were originally forest animals. Of course, raccoons lived in forests near water to support their diet of crayfish and crab. Forest forests with lakes and rivers served as ideal habitat for raccoons before the introduction of human-settled cities.

Also Read: 30 Facts About Mourning Doves The Most Common Bird

Raccoons “wash” their food. Common raccoons have been known to dip their food in water before eating. Because they have such a keen sense of touch, they inspect their food with their hands. The water was believed to enhance their tactile ability. This behavior is also believed to be rooted in their aquatic foraging behavior. In the wild, they dip their hands in water in search of food. Even in captivity, they associate food with water, hence the food-pouring behavior.

Raccoons get their name from their hands. Compared to other animals, raccoon hands are almost human-like. These well-developed front paws have given raccoons their common name in English. The name “raccoon” comes from the word “aroughcun,” a Powhatan term meaning “one who scratches with his hands.”

Due to their skillful hands, they can open containers. Raccoon hands have thumbs which, while not opposable, give them more dexterity than their relatives. Because of these thumbs, raccoons can grab things and open containers like jars, bottles, and trash cans.

They have surprisingly good night vision. Raccoon senses are strong, but they are not known to have great eyesight. However, raccoons have good night vision. Much like cats, they have a reflective coating in the lenses of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum that improves their vision of nearby objects. However, they do not have a wide field of view with limited depth perception.

They are mostly color blind. In addition to poor distance vision, raccoon eyes are also not good at distinguishing colors. However, raccoons have been shown to be sensitive to green light.

Although they look similar, the raccoon dog is not related to raccoons. At first glance, the tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, looks similar to raccoons, but is actually more closely related to foxes and other canids. The raccoon dog is in fact one of the earliest canids and features prominently in Japanese folklore.

Also Read: 50 Squirrel Facts About These Adorable Critters

Raccoons have been incorrectly related to many different species. Raccoons have been placed in the same taxonomy as a range of animals such as cats, pandas and dogs. Through genetic analysis, scientists have found that their closest relatives are the lesser known cacao mistletoe and ring-tailed cat.

Raccoons are intelligent. One of the most popular facts about raccoons is their tendency to be cunning and intelligent. In fact, zoologist Clinton Hart Merriam once described them as being smarter than foxes. In one study, raccoons demonstrated enough intelligence to pick 11 out of 13 complex locks in less than 10 attempts. This study again confirmed that the cerebral cortex of raccoons can be compared to that of primates.

Urban raccoons are smarter than their rural counterparts. Raccoons living in cities face a greater variety of obstacles thanks to humans, resulting in smarter and cunning raccoons. Urban raccoons are bolder and better suited to learning about man-made obstacles, such as B. opening trash cans with mysterious lids. How’s that for interesting facts about raccoons?

Raccoons can be unpredictable. Like the Marvel character Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy, real-life raccoons have a penchant for cleverness, mischief, and unpredictability. Despite their soft and cuddly appearance, they can become aggressive, especially around mating season. Definitely one of those raccoon facts to keep in mind if you encounter one in real life.

Raccoon face markings can have a purpose. Raccoons’ facial markings are perhaps their most distinctive features. They resemble bandit masks, emphasizing their mischievous nature. However, scientists suspect that these masks have a purpose. These dark markings were believed to reduce glare and improve the raccoons’ night vision.

Raccoons are part of Native American culture. Raccoons have been the subject of a number of indigenous folk tales, often portrayed as clever tricksters and adept gatherers. They have also been depicted as having supernatural abilities, or at least connections to the spiritual world.

Also Read: Squid VS Squid What is the Difference

Raccoons have an excellent sense of smell. Raccoons have a heightened sense of smell, which helps them move around at night and communicate with other raccoons. Like many mammals, they mark their territories with urine, feces, and anal gland secretions.

Raccoons can be hosts to many parasites and diseases. Although they look friendly and adorable, it’s best not to approach a wild raccoon or let them interact with your pets. Not only are they fierce and unpredictable, they are known to carry parasites and diseases. Some of the best-documented diseases carried by raccoons include the deadly rabies virus, canine distemper, and leptospirosis. Raccoon droppings can also carry roundworms, which can be transmitted to humans.

In many languages, raccoons are named for their “washing” behavior. Common raccoons can be seen dousing their food before eating, which can often be mistaken for washing. This “washing” behavior is reflected in their names in other languages, such as the German term “Waschbär” or the Italian term “Orsetto Lavatore” (little raccoon). The common raccoon’s scientific name, Procyon lotor, also underscores this behavior. “Lotor” is a neo-Latin term for “washing”.

Male raccoons have bones in their penises. Male raccoons, called wild boars, are typically larger than females. One of their distinctive features is a penis bone called the baculum.

You have good hearing. In addition to an excellent sense of touch and smell, raccoons also have sensitive hearing. A raccoon’s hearing is so acute that it can even detect the movement of earthworms underground.

Raccoon weights vary significantly. Depending on the species, raccoons can weigh anywhere from 5 to 26 kg. Like bears, raccoons tend to weigh a lot more during the winter season because they store fat to prepare for hibernation. However, the largest wild raccoon ever recorded weighed about 28 kg (63 lbs).

Also Read: World’s Fastest Animal A race of 30 animals

Although mostly solitary, raccoons can form social groups. Raccoons typically live alone, but have been found to associate in gender-specific social groups. Unrelated males form a glimpse of up to four individuals, while related females share a common territory.

You can eat a wide range of foods. Described as one of the most omnivorous animals, the raccoon is well adapted to eat almost anything that gets in its way. Raccoons have been documented as opportunistic feeders, eating birds, fish, crustaceans, eggs, fruits, and nuts. Their ability to eat most of these things helps them thrive in urban environments where they encounter a great abundance of food.

If you live in some parts of North America, there’s a good chance you’ve already sighted or even met a raccoon. This is because raccoons are one of the most common non-domesticated mammals in the region.

With their very distinctive feature, which is a black face mask around their eyes, raccoons may seem cute and innocent animals just wandering around collecting trash, but they actually have a lot more to offer than we usually think of them. Raccoons are proving to be one of the smartest animals on the planet, having been shown in multiple studies to be able to solve puzzles and pick locks using their incredible memories.

Raccoons are often prey to many land mammals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own prey to feast on as well. As opportunistic feeders, they can eat a variety of foods ranging from plant materials to other animals, so it might be a little difficult to guess what kind of teeth these mammals have.

What teeth do raccoons have?

A raccoon shows his teeth vilma3000/Shutterstock.com

Raccoons, like most mammals, have a full set of canines, incisors, and molars, including premolars and molars.

These omnivores are endowed with 40 teeth, including four long and pointed canines at the front of their mouths, arranged in a dental formula of: incisors 3/3, canines 1/1, premolars 4/4 and molars 2/2 = 40.

Aside from the fact that their canines are oval rather than round, their incisors are largely undefined and fairly long. Raccoons’ molars are broad and have crowns of circular conical protuberances.

What is the function of a raccoon’s teeth?

Just like other omnivores and carnivorous mammals, the raccoon’s sharp front teeth are used primarily for tearing, slicing, and piercing flesh and vegetation, while the flattened teeth on the wider parts of their mouth serve to shred and grind their food.

An animal’s food choices have a significant impact on the species’ tooth structure. An animal’s dentition, i.e. the development and arrangement of the teeth, shows this best, but an animal’s skull also adapts to its diet. For example, most carnivores have teeth used primarily for tearing and jaws that can bite and chew with tremendous force, while herbivores have teeth and jaws that can crush dense vegetation. Omnivores’ specially designed skulls and teeth allow them to ingest a wide variety of meals. An animal’s tooth structure says so much about a particular animal’s diet that even the diet of a long-extinct species can still be discovered.

As omnivores like bears, possums, and even humans, raccoons are endowed with a tooth structure suited to a variety of foods. Most omnivores have evolved a set of teeth found in different areas of their mouths, each suited to a specific type of food. Our incisors and canines are used for tearing and slicing, while our molars are used specifically for grinding food. The term heterodontic dentition is used by biologists to describe animals with such teeth.

What do raccoons eat?

Raccoons will eat anything containing fruit, insects, birds and even carrion. Edwin Butter/Shutterstock.com

Raccoons eat a wide variety of foods including plant materials such as fruits, berries, corn, nuts, meat, insects, frogs, crabs, snakes, snails, fish, birds and even other smaller mammals such as rodents and squirrels. As opportunistic feeders, they can also scavenge for food such as carrion or from garbage, which has earned them the nickname “garbage pandas” so effortlessly.

Sharp fangs and razor-sharp claws make raccoons fierce warriors who will devour anything they can get their hands on. Therefore, their diet is strongly determined by the environment in which they live. Because they can eat both plants and animals, they are an integral part of the ecosystem in which they live. As a bonus benefit to their environment, raccoons also help disperse the seeds of the fruit they eat.

Raccoons eat more invertebrates than vertebrates when it comes to meat. The raccoon is also not above scavenging human trash or devouring road-killed animals when food is limited.

How strong is a raccoon bite?

Raccoons bite harder than domestic cats dangdumrong/Shutterstock.com

Raccoons have a pretty powerful bite, which is the result of a really strong bite force combined with their really sharp teeth. Like cats, raccoons rely on the sharpness of their teeth to deliver a notable bite.

A raccoon’s bite force quotient (BFQ) is around 100, while a house cat’s BFQ is around 67, which is a formidable weapon.

A bite force quotient is the value that indicates how hard an animal can bite, considering its size. For example, a brown bear’s BFQ is around 88, while that of an otter is around 113. While an otter bite can be painful, it is still better than being bitten by a bear.

Do raccoons bite humans?

Depending on the circumstances, raccoons may or may not attack humans. When a raccoon feels threatened or feels the need to protect its young, it is more likely to attack. When not threatened, raccoons rarely attack humans and can cause serious harm. For example, if a homeowner accidentally startles a raccoon, or if a homeowner tries to pick up a raccoon with their hands in an enclosed space that the animal cannot safely exit, these animals may feel threatened and therefore attack.

Aside from being aggressive when defending themselves, raccoons eat garbage that can bring some diseases like leptospirosis to humans. It is also known that raccoons have deadly rabies, which is very dangerous for humans.

Class: | mammals

Order: | carnivore

Family: | Procyonidae

Genus: | Procyon

Type: | Procyon Lotor

Height and weight:

The adult raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest of the Procyonidae family. It averages 24 to 38 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 14 to 23 pounds or more, depending on habitat and available food. The male raccoon or boar is slightly larger than the female, also known as the sow. The young are called kits.

Physical Properties:

The mask of black fur covering his eyes is his most distinctive and recognizable feature. One hypothesis for the dark fur is that it may help reduce glare and improve the nocturnal animal’s night vision. The species has grey-brown fur, almost 90% of which is dense underfur to insulate the animal from the cold. Five to eight light and dark rings alternate on its tail.

Because its hind legs are longer than its front legs, a raccoon often appears hunched when walking or running. The five toes on a raccoon’s front paws are extremely dexterous, functioning essentially like five little fingers, allowing them to grasp and grip food it finds in the wild, as well as a variety of other objects, including doorknobs, jars, and bars to manipulate. A raccoon’s most developed sense is its sense of touch. It has very sensitive front paws and this sensitivity increases underwater. Whenever possible, a raccoon examines objects in the water.

Life span:

In the wild, a raccoon has a life expectancy of around 2 to 3 years, but in captivity a raccoon can live up to 20 years.

Diet:

The raccoon is an omnivore and casual feeder whose diet is strongly determined by its environment. Common foods include fruits, plants, nuts, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, eggs, and crayfish. In urban environments, the animal often searches the garbage for food. The majority of its diet consists of invertebrates and plant foods.

Geography:

The raccoon is native to North America and is found throughout the United States except for parts of the Rocky Mountains and southwestern states such as Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. It can also be found in parts of Canada, Mexico and the northernmost regions of South America. During the 20th century the species was introduced to other parts of the world and is now widespread in countries such as Germany, Russia and Japan.

Habitat:

Originally, raccoons lived in the tropics, where they could be found foraging on river banks. Over time, they migrated north up the continent, successfully adapting to new territories and expanding their diet. They traditionally live in tree hollows or burrows, emerging at dusk to hunt frogs and crustaceans while keeping an eye out for predators such as coyotes and foxes. Barns have aided their northerly migration and provided refuge from cold northern winters, and now raccoons have been found as far north as Alaska.

The species originally roamed the deciduous and mixed forests of North America, but its impressive adaptability has allowed the animal to invade a wide range of habitats, from mountainous areas to large cities. The first urban sighting was in Cincinnati in the 1920s. Raccoon populations thrive very well in urban areas, largely due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. The size of a raccoon’s home range varies depending on habitat and food availability. In urban areas, its home range generally extends over a mile.

Breeding and social structure:

The animal is nocturnal, mostly foraging and eating at night. Although they were once thought to be fairly solitary, there is now evidence that the species congregates in sexed groups. Mating season for raccoons generally falls anytime between January and June. Most females begin breeding at about a year of age. The female has a gestation period of 65 days and usually gives birth to two to five cubs in the spring.

A mother usually separates from other raccoons to raise her cubs alone. The male does not take part in raising the young. The black mask is already visible on newborn kits. The young stay with their mother in the den until they are between 8 and 10 weeks old and stay with their mother until they are 13 to 14 months old.

Risks:

A raccoon has few predators, although the animal has been known to be preyed upon by cougars, bobcats, and coyotes. Disease, infection, and collisions with cars are generally the main risks to the species. Some of its diseases, including roundworm, trichinosis, and rabies, also put humans and pets at risk.

Additional facts:

Raccoons are highly intelligent and inquisitive creatures, but they can also be a nuisance to any homeowner. These nocturnal mammals can destroy gardens, wreak havoc by tipping over garbage cans, and cause structural damage in search of food. This page provides general raccoon facts and how to recognize raccoon damage.

Common Raccoon Facts Scientific Name: Procyon lotor

Average Size: 12″ tall; 24-38″ long; 14-23 pounds.

Average lifespan in the wild: 2-3 years

Distinguishing Characteristics: Gray fur with a black mask and 4-7 black rings around the tail; pointed snout with black nose; skillful front paws.

Geography of the Raccoon Raccoons are found in most parts of North America. Raccoons have recently appeared in parts of Europe and Japan.

Raccoon Habitat Traditionally, raccoons prefer heavily forested areas with access to trees, water, and lush vegetation. There they build their burrows in the hollow parts of trees as well as in abandoned burrows and travel up to 18 miles in search of food. Raccoons are extremely adaptable. They are often found in suburban and urban areas, living in man-made structures such as attics, sewers, barns, and sheds. In urban areas, raccoons tend to stay closer to their dens, with a range of only about 1 mile, depending on their age and sex.

Raccoon Diet Raccoons are omnivores with an opportunistic diet; They eat almost anything they can get their paws on. In urban areas where wildlife and fresh vegetation are limited, raccoons are more likely to eat human food and invade trash cans. The majority of their diet consists of sweet foods such as fruits and invertebrates. Some favorite foods are:

Raccoon Behavioral Activity: Raccoons are nocturnal by nature and are mostly active at night. They are most active in the spring, summer, and fall, and sleep in their burrows for most of the winter.

Raccoons are nocturnal by nature and are mainly active at night. They are most active in the spring, summer, and fall, and sleep in their burrows for most of the winter. Reproduction: Reproduction begins in late winter. Females or sows usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year.

Reproduction begins in late winter. Females or sows usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year. Social Interaction: Raccoons are independent by 12-14 months. Adult animals live in loose communities of 4 – 5 raccoons for better protection against predators.

Raccoons are independent after 12-14 months. Adult animals live in loose communities of 4 – 5 raccoons for better protection against predators. Communication: Raccoons communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls.

Raccoons communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls. Abilities: Raccoons possess amazing dexterity, giving them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles, and latches. They are also great climbers, giving them better access to food and shelter.

Identify Raccoon Damage Raccoons can be extremely destructive due to their curiosity, intelligence, dexterity, and climbing abilities. Here are some signs to help identify a raccoon problem: overturned trash cans

raided birdhouses

ransacked gardens

damaged plants (e.g. chewed sweetcorn, hollowed watermelons)

open chimneys

torn shingles

Raccoon tracks: five long toes and fingers resembling human hands

Raccoon Diseases Raccoons can carry several bacterial diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans and pets through a bite or ingestion of raccoon feces. Some diseases that can affect humans and pets are: Leptospirosis

salmonella

Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)

Rabies Although raccoons are notorious for transmitting rabies, there has been only one recorded human death from raccoon rabies in the United States. Some signs that a raccoon might have rabies include aggressiveness, unusual vocalizations, and excessive drooling or foam from the mouth. If you think you’ve identified a rabid raccoon, call your local animal welfare agency immediately.