Racoons

ADAPTATIONS
In addition to all the great ideas you had/found (see the responses under "comments" on the Tuesday's Inquiry entry), I have elaborated a little more on a few adaptations.

The raccoon uses its paws almost as well as you use your hands. It walks slowly but can climb a tree quickly. It is also a very good swimmer.

The raccoon prepares for winter by growing a thick coat. In the winter the raccoon often sleeps but does not hibernate. It wakes up and will go out to eat on warmer days.

WHY THEY OBSERVE RACCOONS
Our scientists said that raccoons are very smart mammals. They watch them because they are very likely to react to new situations and adapt quickly. Because they react to new situations so quickly they can identify changes happening in the climate and around Nova Scotia, they then watch other animals to see if they too react.

MORE INFORMATION
http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/animal/raccoons.htm

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Procyonidae.html

http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/animals/raccoons.html