Raccoons (Procyon lotor) weigh between 8-20 pounds. Distinctive markings include a black mask over the eyes and a heavily furred tail with black rings.

Raccoons are found throughout Georgia in rural, suburban, and urban areas including Trinity Lakes. As with all wildlife, raccoons should not be approached by humans. One reason for leaving raccoons undisturbed is their susceptibility to numerous diseases including canine distemper and parvovirus, in addition to zoonotic diseases (humans can get from animals) such as rabies and raccoon roundworms.

Raccoon fur once was valuable to trappers and resulted in significant trapping pressure. Today their fur has little commercial value.