Picture Courtesy of Ticklish Tom Custom Calls
Everyone knows what raccoon looks like and what color they are, right?
This Wisconsin raccoon is different, looks to be blonde says Randy, the fellow who caught him raiding his chicken coop.
According to Scott Craven Professor of Wildlife at University of Wisconsin wild raccoons colors can “vary from buff brown, black, yellow or orange variations can occur.”
Advanced Wildlife Control in Southeastern Wisconsin report they have caught and released 100 yellow phase raccoons.
The raccoon population in West Central Wisconsin seems to be significantly reduced this year. During the spring I found dozens of dead raccoons lying about woods probably due to them getting distemper which is fatal to raccoons. There are many accounts of raccoon populations dying off due to this. Raccoons can pass on canine distemper to dogs including coyotes and fox. My sightings of these during the summer months are sharply down.
Back to our blonde, in case you are wondering what happened to the yellow chicken coop raider; he was released in an undisclosed location and hopefully he will not find his way back to the coop.
Eric Klumb says
I read many of your comments on FS.com and OL.com, and have been following your blog. Where are your stomping grounds (approximately)? Sounds like we are from the same neck of the woods.
Eric
charlie elk says
Thank you, I am happy to have you following my fledgling blog here.
Check your email for a reply.
Smitty says
I trapped the same albino coon twice in 3 days a couple years ago but he was out of season so free he went.
Edward Bergonzi says
I saw one this morning in my neighborhood; Oak Park, MI. It was very dark, nearly black … and quite large. I was leaving for work, about 6:30 am, so it was already light. No mistaking its unusually dark coloration.
Anita says
Have a black raccoon in my yard!
charlie elk says
It’s fun to see these different color phases. Enjoy.