Raccoon, or RACCOON (Procyon), a genus of quadrupeds of the Bear family (Arctoidea), with six molar teeth on each jaw; like other Arctoids, it is plantigrade, and has no retractile claws. There are certainly two, possibly three, but not more than four species of raccoon, which are restricted to the American continent. In North America we meet with the 'coon' (Procyon lotor), so called from the habit of soaking its food in water. This animal prefers open woods, and is a good climber, making its home in trees. The raccoons, however, descend to the ground to search for their food, which consists chiefly of aquatic animals, fish, crayfish, and various shellfish; they will also feed upon corn. These animals are among the most strictly nocturnal of mammals; they hibernate during the winter. In South America occurs P. cancrivorus, and a well-marked variety which may be a distinct species, and has been named P. nigripes on account of its dark-coloured feet. For the Raccoon Dog, see DOG.