Carnivores Trivia

1. Easily recognized by his distinct facial mask, ringed tail and ability to adapt to nearly any environment, "procyon lotor" is more commonly known as what North American mammal?

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: Common raccoon

The common raccoon is found in the continental US, parts of Canada, and occasionally in northern Mexico. Although most comfortable in forests and rural areas near water, urban development has forced the species to adapt and it's not unusual to see them in larger towns and cities. Raccoons were introduced to several European countries during the twentieth century and Germany, France, and the UK now have stable populations. Growing numbers have been reported in Japan, as well.

From Quiz Beware of the Binturong!

Answer: In trees

The binturong is an arboreal animal meaning that it lives in trees.

From Quiz A Fossa, not a Fossil

Answer: Eupleridae

The Eupleridea also includes mongooses. Though the fossa looks somewhat cat-like, it does not belong to Felidae. The fossa is the largest carnivorous mammal in its territory.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: The ringtail's claws are partially retractable

Like his more well known cousin, the ringtail (sometimes called "miner's cat") is nocturnal and an excellent climber. Typically brown with darker facial markings, his long tail sports 14-16 stripes, making him easily identifiable and giving him his name. Unlike most of his family members, however, his claws are straight rather than curved and are semi-retractable. The cacomistle is another close relative who is often confused with the ringtail. He is found in southern parts of Mexico, Panama, and portions of Costa Rica.

From Quiz Beware of the Binturong!

Answer: black

A binturong has thick white whiskers and a long muscular tail. It uses its paws to walk up and down trees and when walking on ground it walks flat-footed.

From Quiz A Fossa, not a Fossil

Answer: A mammal resembling a cat

A fossa is a Malagasy predator, living off of many forms of prey, though mostly lemurs. Although somewhat cat-like in appearance, adults usually weigh less than twenty pounds (nine kg). Sexual maturity comes in three to four years and the animal's total lifespan in captivity is about twenty years.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: Kinkajou

Although this Central and South American tree dweller lacks the distinctive markings of the common raccoon, he shares the dexterous paws and climbing agility of his northern relative. Primarily brown and similar to the ferret family in shape, his long tail is equal to his body length and is extremely strong, providing balance and sometimes used as another arm because of its strong gripping ability. The "honey bear" nickname is due to his love of bees' nectar, and he uses his long, narrow tongue to remove the treat from hives. Despite a degree of physical resemblance, the other three animals are not related to the raccoon.

From Quiz A Fossa, not a Fossil

Answer: Madagascar

Madagascar is a massive island off the south-eastern coast of Africa. The giant fossa, a near relative, became extinct several hundred years ago. Fossas can be found all around the coast of the island and for some distance inland.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: Ringed tail

Although the olingo has no distinctive facial markings, his bushy tail is encircled with several lightly colored stripes. Weighing only about three and half pounds when fully grown, he spends little time socializing with other animals. Female olingos give birth about once a year to a single baby.

From Quiz Beware of the Binturong!

Answer: Southeast Asia

The binturongs live in the sub-tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Because of the destruction of the tropical forests, binturongs are rare.

From Quiz A Fossa, not a Fossil

Answer: Males are about 30-50% larger

Adult males usually weigh about 14-19 pounds (six to nine kg), while female fossas weigh about 12-15 pounds (5.5 to 7 kg) . They are robust animals with shortish legs.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: Crab-eating raccoon

Crab-eating raccoons bear a strong resemblance to their northern cousins but appear slimmer due to a lack of undercoat. They also have larger teeth and sharper claws. Like other members of the species, they are omnivorous but prefer crabs, lobster, and other crustaceans. They live near waterways and marshes and are rarely seen in forest areas.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: Olinguito

The tiny olinguito ("little olingo") weighs only two pounds and is the smallest member of the raccoon family. Although he is similar to the olingo and kinkajou in looks, his fur is dark brown and he has a much shorter tail. Scientists were surprised to discover that an olinguito had actually been a resident at American zoos during the 1960s but had been mistakenly identified as an olingo. (DNA testing has confirmed that the "newcomer" is indeed a separate species.)

From Quiz Beware of the Binturong!

Answer: Buttered popcorn

Binturongs mark their territory by leaving a musky substance as they walk. The animal will make grunts or hissing noises as it walks.

From Quiz Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins

Answer: The Himalayas

Found in the Himalayas, Burma and southwestern China, this gentle relative is mainly nocturnal. Although not closely related to the giant panda, he also enjoys a diet of bamboo but supplements it with eggs, insects and fruits. With his red mask and ringed tail, he looks remarkably like his American cousin. Unfortunately, due to deforestation and threats from poachers and natural predators, this beautiful creature remains on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable". Efforts are underway in a number of countries to increase breeding in captivity with the goal of saving the species from extinction.

From Quiz Beware of the Binturong!

Answer: leaping on them

The soap opera 'Days Of Our Lives' had a two-day storyline with Jack and Jennifer Deveraux (Matthew Ashford, Melissa Reeves) that involved a binturong loose in their home.

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Last Updated Nov 01 2025 5:45 AM

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