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Procyon lotor
The raccoon (i/ræˈkuːn/, Procyon lotor), sometimes spelled racoon,[2] also known as the common raccoon,[3] North American raccoon,[4] northern raccoon[5] and colloquially as coon,[6] is a medium-sized mammal native to North America. The raccoon is the largest of the procyonid family, having a body length of 40 to 70 cm (16 to 28 in) and a body weight of 3.5 to 9 kg (8 to 20 lb). Its grayish coat mostly consists of dense underfur which insulates against cold weather. Two of the raccoon's most distinctive features are its extremely dexterous front paws and its facial mask, which are themes in the mythology of several Native American tribes. Raccoons are noted for their intelligence, with studies showing that they are able to remember the solution to tasks for up to three years. The diet of the omnivorous raccoon, which is usually nocturnal, consists of about 40% invertebrates, 33% plant foods, and 27% vertebrates.
Found near a stream bed.
Identified by Zoomanallen.
Looking at the overall shape and number of teeth I'd say you have a raccoon skull. Canids have four premolars and 3 molars, raccoons have 2 molars like this guy. Also the red fox has a more elongated skull. Hope that helps clarify. And great job cleaning, looks perfect.
Lovely spotting. Please consider adding this spotting to the "Identifying Animals Through Osteology" Mission:http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8475425 I would love to see a couple additional views including a view of the bottom of the skull, minus the bottom jaw. Excellent find!
It's a beautifully cleaned up skull. Perhaps you have a photo of it in the field where it was spotted?
I have added the one additional view I have, and will take another from above and behind.
Spotted on Mar 26, 2013
Submitted on Apr 5, 2013
