Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Raccoon, Racoon, any animal of the American genus Procyon of the bear-like section of Carnivores, with two or three species. The common form or "coon" (P. lotor) is North American, and derives its specific name from its habit of dipping its food in water. It is about the size of a large cat, with long brown hair, and bushy tail, marked with dark rings. Raccoons are nocturnal and arboreal, descending from trees only in search of food - chiefly aquatic animals and corn - and hibernating in winter.