Raccoons draw attention for both their unique appearance and their antics you might see while camping at Mount Magazine State Park.
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything. This trait has earned them a reputation as a thief in many places since they will take food out of your garbage can! While raccoons can be found throughout Arkansas, one special place you can see them is at Mount Magazine State Park. On the highest peak of the state, you can find raccoons by the waterside along some of our creeks and watering holes. They are night predators and will spend the night hunting for crayfish, frogs, and small fish, sometimes leaving behind the shells and their own tracks in the mud.
A fun bit of discovery can come from exploring the water’s edge and looking for signs these animals have left behind.
In the photo essay below, join along as an interpretive park ranger guides you on how to sketch one of these nighttime hunters.
Raccoons are unique and entertaining wild creatures in our State Parks. Their nighttime “tricks” and distinctive appearance make them a guest favorite at Mount Magazine State Park and many other Arkansas State Parks.
Next time you visit a state park, keep your eye out for tiny handprints in the mud, or better yet for a raccoon itself.
Please share your completed drawings with us on social media, and let us know what other Arkansas animals that you would like to draw next!
Jonathan Wirges
Jonathan Wirges joined Arkansas State Parks as an interpreter in the spring of 2015. He is currently stationed at Mount Magazine State Park, enjoying the many trails and diverse wildlife that call the park home. He grew up visiting parks throughout Arkansas and relishes the opportunity to introduce others to the best parts of The Natural State. Jonathan spends most of his free time reading, sketching, and doing puzzles with his friends and family.
