Raccoons have a negative reputation for their mischievous behaviors, which include stealing, rummaging in garbage cans, and scattering trash across yards. Their distinctive coloring and bushy tail make them easy to identify.
Although they are sometimes mislabeled as rodents, they are not rodents at all! Raccoons belong to the Pryconidae family of animals. The common raccoon, crab-eating raccoon, and the severely endangered Cozumel raccoon, sometimes known as the pygmy raccoon, are the three kinds of raccoons that are still alive today.
Here are some more fun facts!
1. Raccoons Are Smarter Than Dogs
Raccoons are very intelligent animals, as scientists have discovered. The animal IQ scale places raccoons slightly below monkeys. They have a long-term memory capacity for intricate and specialized jobs. Some researchers even contend that they possess discriminating skills on par with or perhaps better than some exotic cat breeds.
Researchers tested the causal knowledge of eight captive raccoons in a 2017 study that was published in the journal Animal Cognition. The raccoons were presented with a water-filled cylinder that contained a marshmallow that was too low for them to reach.
Then, the scientists showed that adding stones to the cylinder would cause the water level to increase, putting the treat in the raccoons’ reach. Two of the raccoons mastered dropping stones to get the treat. A third discovered an even simpler solution: she flipped the tube over to get at the marshmallow more quickly. Raccoons were “creative in many elements of this challenge,” the researchers found.
2. They Wash Their Food Before Eating It
Raccoons frequently appear to wash their food before eating. They will even mimic the act of food-washing, even if there aren’t any water sources nearby. However, according to studies, this action is not motivated by a cleaning habit.
Raccoons are said to have extremely sensitive nerves on the digits of their front paws. They use their paws to feel around and acquire sensory data when they are searching for food in water. A raccoon’s paws perform a similar function to dogs’ whiskers; they help these animals navigate the world around them.
Researchers in Nova Scotia discovered that moisturizing the skin stimulated the nerve endings in the studied raccoons’ hands. The act of immersing their food nonetheless aids them in grasping it and putting it in their mouths—a unique adaptation in the wild.
3. They Have Human-Like Hands
Raccoons can do complex activities with the help of their dexterous fingers and opposable thumbs on their front paws, such as opening jars and lids, consuming food, and occasionally getting into mischief.
Because they are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, raccoons consume whatever is available. These nocturnal animals may consume:
- Nuts
- Berries
- Fruits
- Acorns
- Mice
- Fish
- Frogs and toads
- Insects
They will even grab pet food that is left outside overnight and go through trash cans and compost piles to find it. Raccoons are scavengers, not unlike vultures.
4. Some People Keep Raccoons as Pets
In the U.S., it’s not unusual for people to try to domesticate raccoons and keep them as pets. Keeping a pet raccoon may not seem like such a crazy idea to some people, since they can be affectionate, playful, and intelligent. However, because raccoons are wild animals, we do not recommend keeping them as pets because they are known to be aggressive, unpredictable, and mischievous.
Yet, if you were determined to get a raccoon as a pet, it is advised to do lots of research beforehand, as you will be in for a surprise if you don’t. Additionally, it might be a good idea to look into the laws where you live, as you may need a permit to own such an animal. It may even be illegal.
5. They Can Carry Diseases and Parasites
Raccoons are the second most common animal species to be found with rabies, behind bats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
They might carry it without exhibiting any overt symptoms or indicators. However, rabies cases in humans are uncommon in the U.S. Only 25 cases of human rabies were recorded in the U.S. between 2009 and 2019, and only two of those cases included raccoons.
Additionally, raccoons are known to harbor roundworm, an internal parasite that also affects dogs. These worms can harm the nervous system if not addressed with medical care. It is spread by eating dirt or other items that have been contaminated with an infected raccoon’s excrement.
To stay safe, wash your hands after being outside, instruct small children to avoid putting dirt in their mouths, and maintain your pets’ vaccinations. Doing so could mean the difference between life and death!
