As a wildlife photographer, my journey to capture the wonders of nature has led me to some incredible sightings. One such remarkable encounter took place at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, where I had the pleasure of photographing a cinnamon-colored raccoon. While I had previously photographed cinnamon raccoons before (Cinnamon Raccoon In Oklahoma), this particular sighting was special as it was the first time I encountered a raccoon with a cinnamon-colored tail. Join me as I recount this fascinating experience and share the enchantment of witnessing this unique raccoon and its young companion in the wild.
A Surprising Tail:
During my explorations at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I came upon a mesmerizing sight—a raccoon with a captivating cinnamon-colored tail. This was a novel observation for me, as I had previously encountered raccoons with cinnamon-colored fur, but never with such distinct coloration on their tails. It was a delightful surprise that filled me with excitement and curiosity.
A Family Affair:
Accompanying this beautiful cinnamon-tailed raccoon was a young raccoon, adding an extra touch of wonder to the scene. Together, they were spotted near the curve west of the 4-way intersection within the refuge. Witnessing this raccoon family’s bond and observing their interactions was truly heartwarming. It reminded me of the strong familial connections that exist in the animal kingdom.
Capturing the Moment:
To preserve this remarkable encounter, I relied on my trusty camera, which I carefully positioned on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup truck. This stable setup allowed me to capture the raccoons’ natural behavior with precision and detail. Every click of the camera shutter was an attempt to freeze these precious moments in time and share the raccoon family’s story with the world.
The Fascination of Cinnamon Raccoons:
Cinnamon raccoons, known for their distinctive fur color, continue to captivate wildlife enthusiasts like myself. While raccoons with cinnamon-colored fur are occasionally found in various locations, the appearance of a cinnamon-colored tail adds a unique element to this variation. These sightings serve as a reminder of the fascinating diversity that exists within the raccoon population.
Cinnamon Raccoons in Oklahoma:
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma provides an ideal habitat for raccoons, including those with cinnamon-colored traits. The refuge’s diverse ecosystem and abundance of resources attract a wide range of wildlife, offering ample opportunities for observing and photographing these enchanting creatures.
Conclusion:
Encountering the cinnamon-tailed raccoon and its young companion at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was a truly remarkable experience. The sighting of a raccoon with a cinnamon-colored tail added a new dimension to my understanding of these fascinating creatures. As a wildlife photographer, I am constantly inspired by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and this encounter served as a reminder of the incredible stories waiting to be told. Through my lens, I strive to share the magic of these encounters and encourage others to appreciate and protect the wonders of wildlife.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: EF 800 mm f/11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date Taken: July 3, 2021 (9:00 A.M.)
- Manual
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 16000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 800 mm