Swimming, scavenging, and sleuthing: Three of the raccoons—known scientifically as the Procyon lotors—favorite things.
The pictured raccoon was recently captured by photographer Beverly Meekins prowling through the waters of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
Raccoons eat a wide variety of flora and fauna. They get a portion of their meals from the water. Fish, frogs, worms, crayfish, clams, turtles and snails are just some of their aquatic foods. On land they eat berries, seeds, nuts, mice, eggs, and just about anything they can catch.
Keep an eye out for raccoons when you travel around Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.