by Peggy Coon
Raccoons, Procyon lotor, are certainly abundant throughout San Luis Obispo County and in most parts of the United States. Even with their abundance, we usually don’t see them since they are most active at nighttime and blend in well with their surroundings. Now there is a new Adventures With Nature Program, AWN, that brings the raccoon
into focus and reviews the complete natural history of this highly intelligent animal.
Long term Pismo Docent, Peggy Coon, shares numerous photos that enhance our understanding of this handsome and curious mammal. You will learn all about the physical characteristics of raccoons, range and habitat, observe tracks and scat, and learn about their family tree. Ms. Coon, who has studied raccoons for over 25 years, also reviews the use of raccoon pelts in history, the coonskin hat and presents how raccoons are hunted today and the types of dogs that are used to “tree” a raccoon.
If you are having problems with raccoons that have become pests, there will be a discussion on how such problems can be humanely handled. So come hear one of our newest AWN talks, which will now be presented quarterly at Guiton Hall next to the Pismo Visitors Center just off Pier Avenue in Oceano. This is one of the many AWN talks/walks given in the south part of our county by Pismo Docents. This talk is rated “G” and children in grammar school, who love animals, will certainly enjoy this active talk loaded with photos. Look for the next talk, “Our Nocturnal Neighbor, the Raccoon” on our monthly AWN Calendar shortly after the
first of the year and quarterly thereafter.
