Other Education Materials

Make your own Raccoon Mask

Grade Level:
Lower Elementary: Pre-Kindergarten through Second Grade
Subject:
Science

Raccoon Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock
Raccoons are common across North America and Acadia National Park is no exception. With dexterous hands, these mammals have adapted to survive living among humans. 

Raccoons have black lines under their eyes that act as a means of absorbing light and making it easier to see on a sunny day. Just like athletes apply black paint or stickers under their eyes because it helps to reduce glare, raccoon masks allows them to see more detailed and distinct differences. 

What is most impressive about raccoons is how they use their hands. It may appear that raccoons like to "wash" their hands- in reality this is an adaptation called "dousing". This heightens the nerve endings at the end of their paws and allows them greater range of feeling- and they are better able to distinguish materials. 

This activity is a fun craft that will allow kids to make their own raccoon masks! 

Materials

Using a paper plate, a black crayon or marker, scissors, glue, and a popsicle stick, make your own raccoon mask.

Download Make a Raccoon Mask

Last updated: May 22, 2020