The common name originates from the Algonquin Indian word aroughcoune which means "he scratches with his hands", and the species name from lotor meaning "washer", because of the raccoon's habit of dipping its food in water. Raccoons are excellent swimmers and climbers. In our wetlands, raccoon footprints are found in the mud and muddy footprints are seen on the boardwalks. Raccoons often deposit their scat on logs, stones or tree branches crossing water. We have found raccoon scat on the board walks and this scat contains a considerable amount of crayfish exoskeleton in winter. Raccoon scat can contain roundworms which may be harmful to humans.

Raccoon young, weighing only 2 ounces, are born in April or May and will be weaned by late summer. The young move away from the den either in the fall or in the following spring.