A raccoon, spooked by a barking dog and running deer, seeks refuge up a small tree in the woods of northern Durham County. Raccoons are nocturnal and seldom active in the daytime, but this one was surprised by the other wildlife (and human life) late in the afternoon. Raccoons are extremely adaptable, found in many kinds of habitats and living easily near humans. Raccoons may live up to 16 years in the wild, but most don't make it past their second year.