Raccoon
Masked Bandit
A “mask” of black fur around the eyes cuts down glare from moonlight to help a raccoon see better.
Working the Late Shift
Raccoons are nocturnal. During the day, they rest in hollow trees, burrows, chimneys, and abandoned buildings.
Making Tracks
Although you’re not likely to spot raccoons in the daytime, you can often see where they’ve been by looking for their five-fingered footprints.
Nimble Digits
Raccoons use their sensitive fingers to feel for food underwater, pluck berries from brambles, and open trash cans.
Not a Picky Eater
Nearly anything is on a raccoon’s menu, including fish, crayfish, frogs, insects, eggs, berries, acorns, crops, pet food, and discarded human food.
Raccoons are found throughout Missouri in forests, farmlands, and urban areas. To learn more about these ring-tailed bandits, steal away to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Also In This Issue
Hey. I’m Jay.
What? You thought I’d be named Mike or Liam? Wrong! I’m your basic loud but lovable blue jay.
Sometimes nature is, well, weird. Here’s a look at some of Missouri’s animal oddities that might leave you scratching your head.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Ben Nickelson
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber