Masked face, ringed tail and nimble front paws.
How to recognize it
Masked face, ringed tail and nimble front paws.
Where you may find it in Ontario
Urban and suburban yards, wooded areas. Local occurrence depends on habitat, region and season.
Food and ecological role
Omnivorous: fruit, insects and varied foods. Every species is part of a larger food web involving plants, insects, birds and mammals.
When to look
Year-round; less active in cold weather.
Make your backyard more welcoming
Secure bins, never feed, and close entry points only after checking for young.
Identification and safety
Use several features, not a single colour or silhouette, to confirm identification. Observe wildlife from a respectful distance; do not handle or feed wild animals. For species-specific photographs and further details, see the reference below.
Further reading: Species identification / reference. Also see Ontario backyard resources.