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 This
week, I want to talk about a very special animal. In some ways,
it looks like a fox. And in some ways, it
looks like a dog. With pointy ears and dark circles around the eyes,
it has a very cute face. Oh, and it’s got a cool tail! Can you guess what this animal is?
It’s the raccoon!
Raccoons are found in North America, Europe, and Asia. In the past,
raccoons used to live in the forest. But as you know,
more and more forests were destroyed to make buildings
and towns. Some species disappeared when their natural environment was destroyed.
 But
raccoons are very special. They have no problem living in cities!
Ever seen a raccoon? An adult raccoon is 40-70 centimeters long and
weighs between 4-9 kilograms.
They have grey fur and black circles around
their eyes.
They also have a tail with black stripes.
Raccoons are great eaters. They eat both
plants and insects. In the forest, they hunt for insects and eat
berries or plant roots. In the city, they
go through human garbage cans for left-over food.
Scientists say raccoons are great problem solvers. For example, in America,
many raccoons know how to open garbage cans. Believe it or not, some of
them even know how to steal food from people’s
homes!
 Raccoons
have a great memory as well. Raccoons
have been known to live over 20 years. But hunting and car accidents on the road
has led to death of many young raccoons. I know they look cute and
friendly. But you’d better
not try to pet them. They don’t like
strangers, and can attack you with their paws! So, just remember.
You can see them, but don’t touch them. |
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