Today’s photo is of a Raccoon perched high in a cottonwood tree at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I was taken aback when I spotted this curious creature while driving along the auto tour road. Why would it choose to climb so high? Well, let me paint you a picture: the Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) can stretch up to a towering 100 feet, and this particular Raccoon was easily 75 feet up. To give you some perspective, I had to zoom out with my lens just to capture the sheer height of its chosen roost.
As I parked and observed, the Raccoon treated me to a grooming session, leisurely scratching itself before descending a short way down the trunk and disappearing into what I can only assume was a cozy hollow in the tree. Despite its casual descent, I couldn’t help but marvel at its audacity for choosing such dizzying heights for its daytime snooze spot. The only thing I could imagine bothering it up there would be the occasional swoop of a Bald Eagle.
Raccoons are notorious for nesting in the hollows of large trees, and cottonwoods are no exception. The lofty height of these dens offers protection from predators prowling on the ground and shields against potential flooding, while the snug hollows provide a safe haven for raising young and catching some Zs during daylight hours. This behavior isn’t just a one-off; it’s a common sight across various habitats, showcasing the adaptability of these resourceful critters. The presence of conspicuous holes or hollows in towering trees like cottonwoods makes them prime real estate for Raccoon condos.
Considering the habitat at this refuge, it’s likely that our Raccoon friend’s potential ground-based adversaries include Coyotes and Bobcats. And let’s not forget about the aerial threat – I’ve personally witnessed and even photographed the dramatic conclusion of a Bald Eagle-Raccoon showdown.
As for me, well, I’ll stick to solid ground. Heights have never been my cup of tea, and watching that Raccoon perched so precariously only reinforced my preference for keeping my feet firmly planted!
Image Information (First Image):
- Date: 02/13/24
- Time: 9:52 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 320
- Aperture: 8
- Shutter: 1/800
- Exp. Comp.:+0.3
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program Mode: Manual