Raccoon on the mudflats – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited
When I lived in Florida I saw Raccoons (Procyon lotor) all over the state. In the wild, the not so wild and in the streets of the cities. But that isn’t how it is in Utah. I’ve been here nearly 3 years and I can count the times I have seen Raccoons on four fingertips.
Last month on the way to Antelope Island I spotted a large brown fur ball scurrying across the nearly frozen mudflats on the eastern shore of the Great Salt Lake and to my surprise it was a Raccoon. It stopped long enough to hunch its back and give me a direct stare before it headed north towards a strand of phragmites in a marshy area. Not a great picture but it is one that makes me smile. I love the muddy tracks at the bottom of the frame.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Raccoon photos plus facts and information about this species.
It is unusual to see this posture for those of us living in the burbs. Normally they are either hiding under a bush in the dark, or lying by the side of the road. The tracks make a nice leading line into the frame.
Thank you Julie. This posture is one that raccons do when they are surprised or startled. I guess us stopping on the road was enough to cause the Raccon some concern.
I’ve never seen a raccoon in a setting like this! The footprints and reflection are fantastic.
Thanks Ingrid, the Raccoon looked very pretty in the light that morning.
That’s a great shot Mia! As you say, the muddy tracks really make the image. As soon as I read your title I thought, “Huh, it’s curious she hasn’t posted raccoon shots before.” They’re such unique and charming creatures.
Now then, if you wouldn’t mind getting some Puma shots…
Laurence, I’ve seen wild Mountain Lions but Ron hasn’t so I keep crossing my fingers that one day soon we will spot one. I didn’t have a neat camera when I saw mine though so no photos.
I have seen very few raccoons, and I am yet to get a photograph that is any good. Some day……..:-)
Bob, I hope that “some day” is soon!
Nice photo! I like the look it was giving you! The Raccoon population in this area definitely quite dense!
Tammy, in Florida it seemed Raccoons where everywhere so I didn’t spend much time photographing them. I wish I had now that I live where I rarely see them.
Very cute! I’ve seen Raccoons in Toronto when I visit my aunt but in Alberta there aren’t very many Raccoons, so whenever I see one it is a very rare treat!
Thanks PrairieBirder. They are a real treat for me here too.
Nice blog and photos Mia. Antelope Island looks like a great place to photograph wildlife.
Than you for visiting my blog and commenting Jim. Antelope Island is a terrific place for bird & wildlife photography.