At the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the unique opportunity to capture a stunning image of a raccoon indulging in its favorite meal – frog legs.
Raccoons are known for their omnivorous diet, with 60% of their food consisting of invertebrates, 30% plant matter, and 10% vertebrates. They have adapted to their ground-dwelling lifestyle by being primarily nocturnal, foraging for food both in the water and on land. Their adaptability is unmatched, and they can be found all over North America. In fact, they are often referred to as “trash pandas” because of their willingness to eat just about anything.
These clever creatures are skilled at accessing food sources that other animals cannot, such as bird feeders. They typically consume invertebrates whole or crush them with their teeth to extract all of the juices. However, when faced with a larger insect, they may chew to break it down before swallowing.
To capture the image of the raccoon eating frog legs, I spotted the animal near the Four Corners parking area on the side of the road. The refuge had mowed the area, and in the process, had run over a frog, which the raccoon quickly located. Hand-holding my camera and lens while standing outside my pickup, I was able to capture this stunning moment in wildlife photography.