By
Kelly Vaughn

Although you might associate common raccoons (Procyon lotor) with forests and trash cans, they’re also prevalent in the Sonoran Desert — as long as their habitat is near a permanent or reliable water source. These masked bandits will eat just about anything, including insects, fish, frogs, fruit, chickens and garbage. There are no genuinely distinguishing characteristics between male and female raccoons, and most of the adults weigh between 12 and 35 pounds, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. You’ll find their dens in hollow trees, rocky crevices and the occasional pile of brush or debris.