Friends of Point Beach State Forest

⚠️Storm damage alert⚠️

Staff have been busy cutting hazard trees. All trails at Point Beach State Forest are passable except the ice age trail. Please proceed with caution due to some remaining debris. Volunteers for trail clean up are appreciated.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Park staff have been busy this week with clearing and maintaining the large amount of snow off roads, campground and day use areas. Due to the strong winds there were power outages, and trees down on the roads and trails. Staff have been working on clearing the trails- it could take weeks. With the warmer weather coming up and debris from the storm, the trails will not be groomed. You can ski, but be aware of downed trees and debris. Thank you for your understanding.

Point Beach State Forest Species Spotlight

Raccoon (Procyonidae)

Live in almost all habitats from wetlands and prairies to woodlands, rural and urban. Den in a hollow tree, or underground in prairie areas. They are an omnivore with a diet of crayfish, fish, reptiles, amphibians, nuts, fruit, green leaves, suet, bird seed, small mammals, baby birds, bird eggs and insects.

They mate February-Jun. Offspring are born usually in May and a litter consists of 3-6 kits. Babies leave the den at 7-8 weeks. Raccoons are nocturnal, active year-round except during cold snaps in winter. Males are not involved in raising young. Young remain with the adult female for nearly a year. They can weigh 12-35 lb.

They are known for their ability to open objects like doors, coolers, and latches. They can climb any tree very fast and can come down headfirst or tail end first. Its nails can grip bark no mater which way it climbs because it can rotate its hind feet nearly 180 degrees so that the hind toes always point up the tree.