{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "raccoon",
  "name": "Raccoon",
  "scientificName": "Procyon lotor",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "The raccoon is a clever, adaptable mammal native to North America, easily recognized by its black 'bandit' mask and ringed tail. Famous for nimble, sensitive front paws and a habit of 'washing' food, raccoons thrive in forests, wetlands, and cities alike. They are highly intelligent omnivores that typically live 2 to 3 years in the wild, though much longer in captivity.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Carnivora",
    "family": "Procyonidae",
    "genus": "Procyon"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 8,
    "lengthM": 0.8,
    "topSpeedKmh": 24,
    "lifespanYears": 3
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Procyon lotor"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Omnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Forest, wetland, and urban areas"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "2–3 years in the wild"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "5–12 kg (11–26 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to 24 km/h (15 mph)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Forests, wetlands, and cities across North America, introduced to parts of Europe and Asia.",
    "continents": [
      "North America"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "IUCN Red List — Procyon lotor.",
      "url": "https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Procyon%20lotor&searchType=species"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Procyon lotor. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Procyon_lotor/"
    },
    {
      "citation": "Wikipedia — Raccoon.",
      "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raccoon"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/raccoon/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/raccoon/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}