Today’s photo is an extreme closeup of a Raccoon. I was driving the auto tour road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma on August 11, 2022. I spotted this Raccoon next to the road. I was stopped a short distance away, but the Raccoon came toward my pick and got right next to the driver side door. I photographed it from inside my pickup, but I had to zoom out to get this head-shot. After checking me out, this Raccoon continued walking alongside the road.
It’s always exciting to have a close wildlife encounter like this. Raccoons may look cute, but they can be feisty creatures so I was careful not to startle it. I love being able to capture portraits like this that show all the textures and details of these amazing animals. Raccoons are very common in this part of Oklahoma, but it’s still a thrill to photograph them in their natural habitat.
Fun facts about Raccoons:
- Raccoons are highly intelligent and curious creatures. They have a brain size similar to a cat and excellent tactile skills. Their front paws are very dexterous and resemble human hands.
- A raccoon’s fur consists of an undercoat for insulation and longer guard hairs to keep them dry and protected. They shed fur twice a year.
- Raccoons are omnivores and eat a wide variety of foods including fruit, plants, nuts, insects, rodents, eggs, and crustaceans. They wash their food before eating it.
- Though solitary for most of the year, raccoons come together in the winter to mate and share dens for warmth. Baby raccoons stay with their mothers for up to a year.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 11, 2022 (07:38 A. M.)
- Program: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 6400 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Focal Length: 400 mm