Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort. Goethe State Forest Species of the Month: Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort.
The other day I walked out of the barn and saw something out of the corner of my eye. I stared up into the tree trying to figure out if there was a cat or what was up there. Then the sneaky little creature shifted and next thing I knew, I was staring straight at the masked bandit, the common raccoon!
The name “raccoon” comes from an Algonquian word, “arocoun” which roughly means “scratches with its hands”. Raccoons are very dexterous and are known for habitually dipping their food into water before they eat it. I was surprised to learn that even though Racoons commonly range throughout North America, they originated from the tropics. Their ability to live in human made structures is probably why they have been able to adapt to colder climates, and have been recorded as living as far north as Alaska.
Raccoons are very adaptable and can easily live in urban and rural areas. They are opportunistic hunters and are known for taking advantage of snacking on garbage left out by humans. Though it’s fitting they have a little bandit’s mask when they are known for hiding out in man made buildings and stealing human food, scientists actually believe their masks aid in night vision by reducing the glare that can come from lighter hair colors.
Now I know that raccoons aren’t super Goethe specific, or even Florida specific, but I was excited to see one so close so I figured it’s always worth learning more about an animal we share an environment with, even if they are just a common raccoon- and I’m so glad I did!
Emily Galka (shown with her horse Lisa) is Black Prong’s Trail Riding Manager and resident naturalist.
