One of the cutest, most adaptable and intelligent animals in the forests around Lake Martin is the Raccoon. But while they probably live close to your home, you’re not likely to see them often because they spend most daylight hours in hiding, resting up for nighttime prowls.

Raccoons are stocky, medium-sized mammals that with long, furry tails. Adults have four to 10 black rings around their tails. Raccoons wear black masks across their eyes with white patches above and below, and their attractive faces are wide with short, pointed snouts.