Procyon lotor; Print; The raccoon; sometimes spelled racoon; also known as the common raccoon; North American raccoon; northern raccoon; or coon; is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. The raccoon is the largest of the procyonid family; having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in) and a body weight of 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur which insulates it against cold weather. Three of the raccoon's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws; its facial mask; and its ringed tail; which are themes in the mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Raccoons are noted for their intelligence; with studies showing that they are able to remember the solution to tasks for at least three years. They are usually nocturnal and omnivorous; eating about 40% invertebrates; 33% plants; and 27% vertebrates.; 1700-1880