The raccoon Is an extremely skilled climber; it can ascend a tree of any size and is able to come down backwards or forwards. If you are unable to see our raccoons in their enclosure try looking up on the branches of the tall tree inside it, you may see a bundle of fur balancing strategically on one of its branches. on the ground this animal usually walks, but it can run and is also a good swimmer. Although they do not hibernate, raccoons do tend to sleep a great deal during the winter months and feed intensively beforehand to build fat reserves for these long periods of inactivity. In spring they eat primarily animal matter such as crayfish, insects, birds, eggs, fish and young rabbits when available. in late summer and autumn they eat more grains, nuts and fruits. A raccoon hunts in shallow water by turning over rocks, probing and grabbing with its front feet. The common name raccoon is derived from the Indian word 'arakum' or 'aracoun' meaning 'he washes with his hands'.