Raccoon Challenging Images Rows 5-6

Plain text indicates the location (see corresponding red arrow) of the animal(s) in image; bold text indicates the basis of the identification of the animal(s).

1 ­– Directly behind left of pile, bounding away from pile.  [Single raccoon: this blurred view of a jumping animal is a bit challenging to interpret, but the thick, ringed tail is diagnostic of a raccoon.]

2  ­– Behind pile, facing away from pile (two).  [Two raccoons: this view of the posterior of two raccoons shows the defining ringed tail of the species.]

3 ­– In front of pile (two) and in back (two) of pile. [Four raccoons (smaller individual in foreground is climbing on back of larger one (its mother?).  All show the ringed tail, black face mask, or contrasting black and white coloration on back side of ear, features indicative of the raccoon.]

4 – On pile, facing camera. [Single raccoon: this challenging blurred view (due to moisture on lens) shows the arched grizzled back, base of tail, and light inner surface of ear, characteristic of the raccoon.]

5 – Directly behind pile, facing to the left.  [One raccoon:  the animal is almost entirely obscured by the pile material.  Only a portion of the diagnostic ringed tail projects behind the pile.]

6 –  On pile, facing away from camera (one) and in foreground (two).  [Three raccoons: two on right show diagnostic tail rings.  The partial view of animal on left margin offers only the grizzled fur of the back and the light interior of the right ear.]