www.stanford.edu BBC news announced that Ronny the UK raccoon has been recaptured. He'd escaped from a Perthshire wildlife park three months ago. Three raccoons went missing after a branch hit an Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre enclosure during a storm in January. The other two were found within a day, but the third eluded park workers.
Like his namesake Ronald Biggs, known for his role in the Great Train Robbery in 1963, Ronny had got away. But not for the 36 years Biggs escaped capture and without the publicity stunts. The raccoon, an original inhabitant of North America, was caught 30 miles away after a homeowner reported missing cat food.
The park reports that Ronnie is safe and well in his run, living amongst loads of females. That must beat having to fend for himself in a strange land for three months.
Here are some facts from A + Restorations.
Like his namesake Ronald Biggs, known for his role in the Great Train Robbery in 1963, Ronny had got away. But not for the 36 years Biggs escaped capture and without the publicity stunts. The raccoon, an original inhabitant of North America, was caught 30 miles away after a homeowner reported missing cat food.
The park reports that Ronnie is safe and well in his run, living amongst loads of females. That must beat having to fend for himself in a strange land for three months.
Here are some facts from A + Restorations.
www.sanantonio.gov 1. Raccoons are capable of achieving body masses made up of 50% body fat, but it is mostly the animals in the cooler regions that achieve this.
2. Their tails can make up 52% of their length, up to 405 mm.
3. Raccoons do not hibernate. During extremely cold periods raccoons have been known to sleep for long periods, but do not hibernate.
4. These critters climb with great ease and are not bothered by a drop of 35 to 40 feet!
5. As well as being agile climbers, these animals are also very strong swimmers, although they are often reluctant to enter the water because without waterproof fur, swimming forces them to take on extra weight.
6. Raccoons have a highly developed tactile sense. Their human-like forepaws (complete with 5 fingers) are used to pick up food with their front paws before putting it in their mouth.
7. These animals can live up to 16 years in the wild, but most don't make it past their second birthday. Did you know that a captive raccoon was recorded living for 21 years.
8. Raccoons generally have one litter per year that typically consists of 4 babies, although they can have 3 to 7. Sexual maturity often occurs in females before they are one year old.
9. Raccoon pelts have been harvested since the colonial period. Although demand has diminished greatly, the pelts may still be sold as imitation mink, otter, or even seal fur. Raccoons are also eaten by some cultures.
10. These critters carry many diseases, the worst of which is a microscopic parasite known as raccoon roundworm. It has been known to cause death and blindness in humans.
2. Their tails can make up 52% of their length, up to 405 mm.
3. Raccoons do not hibernate. During extremely cold periods raccoons have been known to sleep for long periods, but do not hibernate.
4. These critters climb with great ease and are not bothered by a drop of 35 to 40 feet!
5. As well as being agile climbers, these animals are also very strong swimmers, although they are often reluctant to enter the water because without waterproof fur, swimming forces them to take on extra weight.
6. Raccoons have a highly developed tactile sense. Their human-like forepaws (complete with 5 fingers) are used to pick up food with their front paws before putting it in their mouth.
7. These animals can live up to 16 years in the wild, but most don't make it past their second birthday. Did you know that a captive raccoon was recorded living for 21 years.
8. Raccoons generally have one litter per year that typically consists of 4 babies, although they can have 3 to 7. Sexual maturity often occurs in females before they are one year old.
9. Raccoon pelts have been harvested since the colonial period. Although demand has diminished greatly, the pelts may still be sold as imitation mink, otter, or even seal fur. Raccoons are also eaten by some cultures.
10. These critters carry many diseases, the worst of which is a microscopic parasite known as raccoon roundworm. It has been known to cause death and blindness in humans.
naturemappingfoundation.org There is no problem unless a little Ronny invades our homes. Most wildlife harbors something that is harmful to man. Let them live in their habitat and all will be well. People interfere enough with animals. I'm not sure I even agree with the concept of keeping animals in zoos. Many times, dangerous animals have escaped into a foreign environment and caused havoc or death. At least Ronny is secure.
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