Burls are odd-looking growths caused by some form of stress to a tree. The stress can be a fungus, an injury, insects, bacteria or even a virus. On Alligator River Refuge, a raccoon sets up residence by taking advantage of the opening created by a large burl. Raccoons are omnivores. They’ll eat just about anything, including insects, fish, crayfish, seeds, fruits, nuts, eggs, frogs and fruit.