Raccoons are medium-sized mammals native to North America. They are known for their distinctive black and white "mask" marking on their faces and their ability to use their front paws to manipulate objects. Raccoons are omnivores and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are known for being adaptable and opportunistic foragers, and have been known to cause damage to gardens and property in urban areas. They are carriers of some diseases, including rabies and roundworm.