Tennessee's Adopted State Animal: The Raccoon

Tennessee State Wild Animal Raccoon from statesymbolsusa.org

For those living in the state of Tennessee, there is no better way to represent your home than with the state’s adopted animal, the raccoon. This small, yet resourceful mammal is recognized as the official state animal of Tennessee, and has been since the mid-1970s.

The History of the Raccoon as Tennessee's State Animal

In 1974, the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 562, which officially adopted the raccoon as the state animal of Tennessee. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Leonard R. Gilley, who stated that the raccoon was an appropriate representative of the state due to its resourcefulness, intelligence, and adaptability. The raccoon has been associated with the state of Tennessee for many years. It is believed that the furry creature was a source of food for the early settlers of the state, and is also the namesake of the city of Raccoon Mountain in Hamilton County.

The Physical Characteristics of the Raccoon

Raccoons are small mammals that can reach up to 25 pounds in weight and two to three feet in length. They have a distinct black mask on their face and sharp claws. Their fur is usually gray in color and can range from light gray to dark gray. They have a distinct bushy tail that is lined with alternating black and white bands. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night. During the day, they sleep in dens, which are often located in hollow logs and tree cavities.

The Habits and Habitat of the Raccoon

Raccoons are extremely resourceful animals. They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they eat things such as fruits, nuts, worms, insects, frogs, and even small mammals. However, they are also known to be attracted to human food and garbage, which can have negative effects on their health. Raccoons live in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. In Tennessee, they are most commonly found in forests, wetlands, and along rivers.

The Reproduction of the Raccoon

Raccoons reproduce in the spring, typically from February to April. The female raccoon will build a den in a tree or underground and give birth to three to six young. The young, called kits, are blind and helpless when they are born. The mother raccoon will stay with them until they are old enough to hunt and fend for themselves.

The Conservation Status of the Raccoon

The raccoon is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The species is abundant throughout the state of Tennessee, and its population is considered to be stable.

The Importance of the Raccoon to Tennessee

The raccoon is an important part of the state of Tennessee’s wildlife. It is an important predator in the state, helping to keep populations of smaller animals in check. The raccoon also plays an important role in the state’s economy, as it is a popular game animal and is hunted for its meat and fur.

Conclusion

The raccoon is an important part of Tennessee’s wildlife and culture. It is a symbol of the state’s resourcefulness, adaptability, and intelligence, and is recognized as the official state animal of Tennessee. The raccoon is an important predator in the state, helping to keep populations of smaller animals in check, and is an important part of the state’s economy as a popular game animal.