Ricky Raccoon and All His Cousins Quiz

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Answer: Coati

Sometimes referred to as "coatimundi", this intelligent cousin has several other nicknames, including "crackoon"and "hog nosed coon". There are several species of coatis and fur color ranges from black and brown to white and shades of red. His long snout is similar to the aardvark's and he uses it to burrow into crevices and under rocks in search of food.

Coatis are sometimes kept as pets but like their raccoon cousins, are naturally curious and require close supervision.

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.)

Answer: False

Despite similar facial markings and long, ringed tails, the lemur is actually a primate and is not related to the raccoon. These Madagascar residents are very social and travel in groups called troops.

Due to rapid destruction of their natural habitat, the lemur was declared endangered in 2000.

Answer: All of these are reasons

Also known as "dwarf" or "pygmy", this family member is the smallest of the three raccoon species. He bears all of the markings of his northern cousin, but is slightly lighter in color and typically weighs less than ten pounds. Native only to Cozumel Island, the species has been faced with rapidly declining numbers in recent years. A shrinking habitat due to building growth, weather disasters and the introduction to the island of predators such as boa constrictors and domestic pets all threaten the survival of this forest dweller.

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.