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TopClicks
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Animals, Pets & More
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Mammals
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Raccoons, Opussum & Skunks
Hinterland Who's Who - Raccoons - According to this site, "The name raccoon is derived from the Algonquin Indian word arakun, meaning `he scratches with his hand.' The species name, lotor, refers to the raccoon's supposed habit of washing food with its front paws. This activity, however, is probably associated with the location and capture of aquatic prey such as crayfish." Read up on the rakish raccoon at this home page.
Hinterland Who's Who - Skunks - You know that skunks can spray a foul-smelling musk in order to deter a predator, but what else do you know about them? They are useful because they eat mice, shrews, grasshoppers, crickets, and insect larvae such as white grubs, army worms, and cutworms. According to this page, "They will even eat wasps and bees, which they kill with their front feet. It has been estimated that almost 70 percent of a skunk's diet constitutes a benefit to people and only 5 percent is harmful to human property."
National Opossum Society - What animal gives birth only 13 days after mating? What animal has thumbs on its hind feet? What animal plays dead if unable to escape from a predator? Give up? Or are you just playing possum? Learn all about the amazing opossum at this home page.
Remo Raccoon's - An online resource for anyone interested in raccoons. Useful, true information for everyone who loves Raccoons. Will help you make an informed decision about having a pet raccoon.
Skunk and Opossum Web Site - What would you do if your dog got sprayed by a skunk? Does a tomato juice bath really work? Sort of, but it may turn your dog pink for a while. You can also try a newer remedy, involving hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap; the recipe is here. There's advice on keeping skunks as pets, plus loads of lore on both skunks and opossums. Opossums are marsupials, meaning they carry their babies in a pouch. Another little-known fact is that a `possum has 50 teeth--more than any other North American mammal.
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