The raccoon is most easily recognized by that distinctive band it’s mask, striped tail, and dexterous front paws. They are also noted for their intelligence. They are omnivorous and usually nocturnal. Their original habitat was deciduous and mixed forests but due to humans encroaching on their territory, the raccoon has adapted or moved to other areas including coastal marshes and mountainous areas. They are now distributed across the Americas, the European mainland, the Caucasus region and Japan.