Book 4, Question 125
Why Do Raccoons Look So Busy After Dark?
Raccoons are night-shift generalists, which means they eat almost anything. Dark hours mean fewer people and some easier prey. Their super-sensitive front paws can feel for food, like extra eyes.
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 4
More fun facts
- Raccoons are nocturnal, which helps them avoid run-ins with people.
- They eat almost anything, which helps them survive in cities.
- In San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, groups of raccoons raid garbage cans under the cover of darkness.
- Some city raccoons spend their whole lives within a three-block area around one dumpster.
- On land, raccoons lumber around on all four paws, like a bear.
- Raccoons build up extra fat that gives them energy when it is too cold to search for food.
Sources: National Geographic, National Geographic Kids
Questions kids ask
Why do raccoons get into garbage?
Raccoons eat almost anything, and trash cans are an easy meal. They usually raid them at night when people are asleep.