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Sunday, April 17, 2005
FOCUS ON WILDLIFE: David A. Murray
Venture into wetlands at dusk or dawn to find raccoons
Copyright © 2005 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc. | ||
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Along the water's edge, the soft mud told the story of the predawn breakfast buffet. Scraps of crayfish shell scattered in among the small bear-like footprints. After the meal, the mother and her youngsters meandered along the streambank in hopes of finding dessert. The common raccoon is not a fussy eater, and the habitat surrounding the stream will surely provide many opportunities for food before retiring to its day bed in the hollow trunk of a hardwood tree. THE MASKED BANDIT Although the most obvious and distinguishing characteristics of the raccoon are its mask and ringed tail, the Algonquin Indians named the animal Arougbcoune, which means, "he scratches with his hands." The Algonquin Indians were so impressed with the raccoon's dexterity; they thought this to be a fitting name, and it is. The common raccoon's ability to manipulate objects with its "hands," which are really feet, rivals that of the monkey. The feet of the raccoon are flat, as are the feet of bears and humans. Both front and hind feet contain five "fingers" or "toes" with substantial claws. Observations of the raccoon have documented its ability to unhook bungee cords and open coolers, turn doorknobs, and open refrigerator doors. Their ability to use their nimble "fingers," to outsmart humans for food, is legendary. However, the raccoon uses these skills in the wild to forage for natural foods on the ground, in trees and in the water. A raccoon is very fond of all types of nuts, berries and large insects, such as crickets, moths and grasshoppers. They are also very skilled hunters and will raid muskrat dens for the young, eat mice, squirrels and other small mammals. The raccoon is one of the few mammals that can descend a tree headfirst; it accomplishes this by turning its hind feet 180 degrees while descending. Equipped with exceptional climbing abilities, the raccoon often feeds on bird eggs or young hatchlings. The raccoon is also an accomplished swimmer; therefore, fish, frogs, turtles and crayfish also play a large role in their diet. HOME IS WHERE THE FOOD IS The common raccoon is widespread throughout southern Canada and most of the United States, with the exception of desert climates. It prefers habitats that are close to water. This can be fresh or salt water, so the variety of possible habitats is diverse, from wooded coastal inlets and tidal areas, to inland bogs, streams and ponds. The raccoon also adapts well to suburban and city environments. Here, they commonly become a nuisance, when garbage cans and Dumpsters become their food sources. Attracted by their cute and seemingly friendly disposition, many problems originate from people feeding raccoons on their decks or front porch. Habituating any wild animal to humans and food usually leads to death for the critter, and the raccoon is no exception. What starts out as a novelty, usually ends up as a nuisance. These critters often end up shot, trapped, hit by vehicles, or die from disease. Unfortunately, the raccoon has become a major carrier for rabies. This, in itself, can be deadly for the raccoon and any other animal or human it meets. In addition, the raccoon also is a carrier of roundworm; and although it is not dangerous to them, it can be deadly to humans and many other mammals. In part, many of these problems occur as a result from overpopulation of raccoons in urban areas. ON THE HUNT The biggest problem in photographing a raccoon, is finding one during the daylight hours. The raccoon is primarily a nocturnal critter. A habituated raccoon that visits decks and birdfeeders will often show up before dark or still be around early in the morning. However, that depends on the type of photograph you're looking for; a raccoon on the porch is not what I'm after. For a photograph in a natural habitat, you have to venture into the wetlands. The potential areas that support raccoon habitat are everywhere. Look for tracks or scat, claw marks on the trunks of frequently used trees, or possible den sites in hollowed tree trunks. Once you find a suitable habitat with some raccoon sign, visit the area frequently late in the day and just after dawn. Scout the ground and trees, but keep your movement to a minimum; using a blind is also a viable method. A raccoon in the wild is very different from the habituated one in the city, and most raccoons in the wild are cautious and shy. Always let the critter establish the comfort zone - a raccoon can be a formidable fighter when necessary. Use a long lens with a large aperture opening. In low light situations such as this, your lens needs to be able to gather as much light as possible. Although any lens, in combination with a high-speed film, will still get the job done and help you "bag" an image of the "masked bandit." Good shooting! For questions or comments, contact David A. Murray at P.O Box 59, Southport, ME. 04576 or e-mail:
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