Racoons: Sleeping it off after a night of cavorting

Raccoons are much maligned in major cities like Toronto and Mississauga, where they spend their nights prowling the local neighbourhoods in search of garbage left unsecured before nightfall. But what happens to those masked raiders during the day? Where do they all go? 

The answer to that question is up in the trees. Most racoons try to find a spot to catch a few Zzzzs, where they'll be safe from predators and humans alike. They often sleep in the crook of large branches, or better yet, in a hollowed out trunk that will keep them warmer and drier. That is where I found this individual on my walk through the Credit Valley of Mississauga today. Can you see the raccoon peaking from the inside of the tree? 

Raccoon peaking through a large tree cavity, viewed through my binoculars

Most days I can see a furry head, back or bottom of a raccoon sneaking out of one of the many large tree cavities that are common in the valley. This daytime rest is only temporary as they will be out and at it again as soon as the sun sets.

For all who are interested, we'll leave on a walk today (Tuesday, March 15) at noon from my office (Davis Bldg 3040, University of Toronto Mississauga)