Raccoons are known for their ringed tails and the masked markings around their eyes. how smart are raccoons? A lot of people love the fact that raccoons typically have a âblack maskâ on their faces. 1. To access the treats inside the boxes, they had to navigate hooks, bolts, buttons, latches, and levers, with some boxes featuring more than one lock. Like many mammals, they mark their territories with urine, feces, and anal gland secretions. 8 Fun Facts about Raccoons That Will Make You Smile 1. Unrelated males form a gaze of up to four individuals, while related females have a shared territory. Japan has since prohibited importing and owning raccoons, but the descendants of that initial boom have spread to 42 of the country's 47 prefectures. 3. Raccoons live an average of 5 years in the wild. Raccoons are commonly hunted for their fur, but cooking them for dinner is not unheard of. MacDonald planted garbage cans containing food in urban and rural areas. A raccoon, especially when cornered or threatened can be extremely aggressive and bite and scratches do occur, but these injuries are almost always aggressively treated, possibly curtailing the possibility of a rabies event. , actual raccoons also have a propensity for cleverness, mischief, and unpredictability. In the early 20th century, raccoons were poised to become the go-to model for animal experiments. Raccoon poo is tube-shaped and generally two to three inches in length. They dig through trash cans or ⦠After around two months of pregnancy, a female raccoon gives birth to a litter of about 1-7 kits. Raccoons Are the Innovators of the Animal Kingdom. Described as one of the most omnivorous animals, the raccoon is well-adapted to eat almost anything it comes across. Your email address will not be published. In captivity, where the ⦠A group is mostly comprising of the family the mother and her babies. Pygmy raccoons can only be found in Cozumel Island in Mexico. Because of these thumbs, raccoons can grab things and open containers such as jars, bottles, and trash bins. Raccoons are very vocal One of the lesser-known facts about raccoons is their ability to make more than 50 different sounds. 2. Raccoons have been placed in the same taxonomy as a number of animals, such as cats. When Suzanne MacDonald, a psychologist and biologist at York University in Toronto, outfitted city raccoons with GPS collars, she learned that they had learned to avoid major intersections. One of the hypotheses about the black mask of raccoons is that it helps to reduce the glare and enables the raccoons to view better in the dark environments. This study reaffirmed that raccoons’ cerebral cortex can be compared to those of primates. One of the most popular raccoon facts is their tendency to be clever and intelligent. Coolidge refused to have it killed or eaten, however. According to The Spruce Pets, eating too fast is one of the most common causes of vomiting in cats, and it's usually harmless. One of the fun facts about raccoons is its other name â the bandit. Depending on its species, raccoons can weigh from 5 to 26 kg (10 to 60 lbs). Insular dwarfism, or island dwarfism, occurs when animals develop much smaller bodies compared to their mainland cousins. At first glance, the tanuki or Japanese raccoon dog looks similar to raccoons, but it is actually more closely related to foxes and other canids. Similar to cats, they have a reflective layer in the lenses of their eyes called the tapetum lucidum which enhances their vision of nearby objects. The species name "lotor" is neo-Latin for "washer," referring to the animals habit of foraging for ⦠Fun Facts Group of raccoons is called nursery or gaze. Because they have such a strong sense of touch, they inspect their food using their hands. Compared to their common cousins, pygmy raccoons come smaller and lighter. Native Americans were the first to note their unusual paws. Their ability to eat most of these things help them thrive in urban settings where they come across a great abundance of food. This behavior is also believed to be rooted in their aquatic foraging behaviors. If there's no obvious explanation for your cat's vomiting, it's a good idea to reach out to your vet. Pygmy raccoons can only be found in Cozumel Island in Mexico. The raccoon dog, in fact, is one of the earliest canids and is prominently featured in Japanese folklore. There are six raccoon species native to North and South America. In winters, they donât hibernate like other mammals they sleep more than usual. The Coolidges gave her the name “Rebecca”. They may be just a gross annoyance to you, but to your cat, they can pose a serious health risk. They eat almost anything, including clams, fish, nuts, fruit, lizards, insects and the occasional squirrel or mouse. A raccoon can run at speeds up to 24 km/h (15 mph). 10 Clever Facts about Raccoons. This sale is the one to watch if you are looking to get low prices on the latest Echo Dot, Fire Tablet, video games, Instant Pots, or 4K TVs. Among all of their senses, the most developed and most significant sensory faculty of raccoons is touch. Raccoons typically have communal latrines where several individuals defecate. Despite their soft and cuddly appearance, they can get aggressive especially during the mating season. Raccoons have up to 22 extant subspecies. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so ⦠However, raccoons have been shown to be sensitive to green. They can live for much longer in captivity, with the oldest recorded being 20 years old. Raccoons Can Move At High Speeds. Though it's usually benign, vomiting may indicate a health problem that needs to be taken care of. Their front paws are incredibly dexterous and contain roughly four times more sensory receptors than their back pawsâabout the same ratio of human hands to feet. Raccoon Facts Raccoon fur protects them against cold weather.. If your cat hacks up undigested food immediately following meal times, that's likely the culprit. 13 Interesting facts about baby raccoons 1. Because they have such a strong sense of touch, they inspect their food using their hands. Raccoons are regarded by scientists as intelligent creatures, but city dwellers may notice that their local specimens reach special levels of cunning. The female then raises the offspring alone and the male will continue to do the same every year. If so, let us know by emailing us at bigquestions@mentalfloss.com. Although they look friendly and adorable, it’s best not to approach a wild raccoon or let them interact with your pets. ⦠Populations in North America have skyrocketed in the past several decades, and this is despite the destruction of much of the animals' natural environment. The presence of raccoons often goes hand in hand with a flea, ticks or mites infestation, so your pet is at higher risk of contracting diseases if raccoons ⦠This article contains affiliate links to products selected by our editors. Raccoon poop may also carry roundworms that can be passed on to humans. Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores and will eat bugs and worms as well as berries and nuts. By way of an accidental bombing and some bored farmers just wanting to spice up the local wildlife, many raccoons escaped and founded a new population in the wild. Near the end of his presidency, Coolidge donated Rebecca to Rock Creek Park in DC. Raccoons Have Special Paws. Despite one researcher's plan to breed a tamer strain of raccoon, the creature's future in the lab never took off. They also had the pesky tendencies to chew through their cages, pickpocket researchers, and hide out in air vents. Here are some more facts about raccoons and your pets. Compared to other animals, raccoon hands are almost human-like. Here are some things you might not know about the little masked bandits. Some of the most well-documented diseases carried by raccoons are the lethal rabies virus, canine distemper, and leptospirosis. 100 Snake Facts That Will Swallow You Whole. Raccoons that live in cities are exposed to a wider diversity of obstacles thanks to humans, which leads to more clever and cunning raccoons. 10 fascinating facts about raccoons. Males mate with many partners throughout one year, while females only have one. Raccoons can heighten their sense of touch through something called dousing. In addition to poor distance vision, raccoon eyes are also not great at distinguishing colors. Raccoons, Procyon loctor, are found across the United States in both urban and wild settings.These mammals, known for their black face mask and ringed tails, are often fed by campers and homeowners and can appear friendly. Some of them have been listed below: The black mask This black mask over the eyes of the raccoons is a very distinguishing characteristic. Common raccoons are known to dip their food in water before they eat. This may be because urban raccoons are forced to outsmart human-made obstacles on a regular basis. Since they mostly process their surroundings through touch, raccoons have whiskers near the tips of their paws. The raccoon gets its name because of its hands. Mental Floss may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. While throwing up one to three times a month is considered normal, a cat that throws up multiple times in a short period may need medical attention. This “washing” behavior is reflected in their names in other. Aside from an excellent sense of touch and sense of smell, raccoons also have sensitive hearing. However, raccoons have been shown to be sensitive to green light. 1. Interesting Facts About the Raccoon. 30 Strange Flamingo Facts That You Never Knew About. Rebecca soon became part of the family, receiving an engraved collar for Christmas, taking part in the annual Easter Egg roll, and frequently accompanying the president on walks around the White House grounds. Depending on the species, they can grow to a length of around 20-40 in (51-102 cm). In one study, raccoons have demonstrated enough intelligence to open 11 out of of 13 complex locks in less than ten attempts. Raccoons, like squirrels, are notorious for digging through trash cans and invading human homes. Oh, raccoons. However, raccoons do have good night vision. Urban raccoons are bolder and more adapted to learning about man-made obstacles, such as opening trash bins with puzzling lids. As the name suggests, these raccoon species are known for their diet of crustaceans which make up over half of these raccoons’ meals. Photo by: Shutterstock . They tackle even the most secure trashcans, and find their way into trouble wherever they go. Take a look at eight interesting facts about these bushy-tailed mammals. Raccoons are also able to swim very quickly; these are all great abilities that help them to escape after stealing food! The name “raccoon” originates from the word “aroughcun”, a Powhatan term that means “one who scratches with its hands”. The raccoons' recognizable mask is not just for fun: It's a way to identify each other, according to MacDonald. It's unusual for White House pets to start as Thanksgiving dinner, but that was the case with Rebecca, the raccoon that lived with Calvin Coolidge for part of his presidency. These well-developed front paws are what gave raccoons their common name in English. Read more about Rebecca and her antics here: They are some of the most adaptable creatures in the Americas, occupying both rural and urban areas in diverse climates. Adorned with distinctive mask-like face markings, fluffy tails, and almost human-like hands, people have a love-hate relationship with raccoons. Raccoons are among the rare species that have actually benefited from the spread of humans. ... Next time you observe a raccoon in the wild, take a minute to listen to some of the interesting sounds it makes and see how many you can count. Rebecca was initially intended as the Coolidgeâsâ Thanksgiving dinner, but they became so smitten with her that she received a presidential pardon. Though raccoons were the subject of several psychology experiments at the turn of the century, they didn't stick around in labs for long. Rocket Raccoon from Guardians of the Galaxy. A raccoon’s hearing is so sharp that it can detect even the movement of earthworms underground. A baby raccoon or a kit is born blind and deaf. Their fur has been used for clothes and caps. They are preyed on by coyotes, wolves, hawks, and owls. BY Michele Debczak. In 1926, US President Calvin Coolidge received a raccoon to be eaten for Thanksgiving. Common raccoons can be observed dousing their food before they eat, which can often be mistaken as washing. Raccoon senses are powerful, but they are not known to have a great sense of sight. Some of the most well-documented diseases carried by raccoons are the lethal rabies virus, canine distemper, and leptospirosis. Kids demanded pet raccoons of their own, and at one point Japan was importing roughly 1500 of them a month. This behavior can be prevented by feeding your pet smaller portions, or adding an obstruction like a medium-sized ball to their bowl that they have to eat around. That said, they don’t have a wide range of vision with limited depth perception. Raccoons, in essence, see with their hands. Raccoons typically have communal latrines where several individuals defecate. They are extremely clean animals Raccoons have been placed in the same taxonomy as a number of animals, such as cats, panda bears, and dogs. If the problem still persists, there may be something else causing it. Female raccoons are called sows, while males are called boars. From their appearance in folk tales and mythology to cameos in various petroglyphs, these adaptable animals have fascinated humans for a long time. The term for a group of raccoons is a gaze or nursery. Fun Facts: A raccoon named Rebecca was kept as a presidential pet by Calvin Coolidge and his wife, Grace. 15 Things To Know Before You Change Your Name, 40 Norwegian Forest Cat Facts That You Never Knew About, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Boggle Your Mind, 300 Random Facts No One Knows What To Do With, 100 Nutrition Facts To An Easier And Healthier Lifestyle, 100 Amazing Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 300 WTF Facts That Will Make You Question Everything, 300 Weird Facts That Will Confuse And Amaze You At The Same Time, 100 Did You Know Facts Most People Have Never Heard About. Give raccoons a puzzle and, as long as there's food involved, they'll usually find a way to solve it. Their. 1. Learn what makes raccoons more than just a nuisance below. Common raccoons are known to dip their food in. have thumbs that, although not opposable, provide them with more dexterity than their relatives. Female raccoons are called sows, while males are called boars. Among their distinct features is a penile bone referred to as the baculum. Raccoon senses are powerful, but they are not known to have a great sense of sight. A group of raccoons is called a nursery. Raccoons are excellent swimmers .They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter. In the forests, raccoons will eat birds, insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds, while in residential areas they'll scavenge for garbage and pet food. Naturally, many of these pets ended up back in the wild when they grew too big for families to take care of them properly. The most recognizable is Procyon lotor or the common raccoon that lives in the United States. Whether your home is surrounded by trees or skyscrapers (which they've been known to scale), raccoons are likely part of your local wildlife population. Raccoons have a varied diet. THEY'RE NAMED FOR THEIR UNIQUE HANDS. Raccoons migrated north by adapting to new environments and can now be found as far north as Alaska! Coolidge refused to have it killed or eaten, however. Due to their limited habitat, only around 250-300 individuals are left in the wild, which places it near extinction if left unchecked. As opportunistic feeders, raccoons have been documented eating birds, fish, crustaceans, eggs, fruits, and nuts. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal native to North America.It is easily recognized by its pointed masked face and banded furry tail. *, Raccoons, like squirrels, are notorious for digging through trash cans and invading human homes. Like, 50 Interesting Giraffe Facts That Will Tower Over You. Raccoons Have High IQ Levels. Unlike rats, they were hard to breed and maintain in large numbers. 1) Their âBlack Masksâ Serve a Purpose. Raccoons are considered one of the primary carriers of the rabies virus in the United States, though only one person has ever died from a raccoon to human transmission of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Raccoon Facts. Woodland forests with lakes and rivers served as the ideal raccoon habitat before the introduction of human-populated cities. Scientists suggest that these masks have a purpose, though. The water has been thought to enhance their tactile ability. The coat of raccoons is made up of dense underfur, which naturally insulates them and protects them against cold. Today mapache means "raccoon" in Spanish. But their famous black masks do more than make them look like adorable outlawsâthey also help them see clearly. These dark markings have been thought to reduce glare and enhance the raccoons’ night vision. The raccoon dog, in fact, is one of the earliest canids and is prominently featured in Japanese folklore. Raccoons can run up to 15 miles per hour, even while climbing up trees! Such is the case of the Cozumel raccoon, or pygmy raccoon. Common raccoons can be observed dousing their food before they eat, which can often be mistaken as washing. Here are a few cool facts that help us get to know raccoons a little better. The black fur works just like the black stickers athletes wear under their eyes: The dark color absorbs incoming light, reducing glare that would otherwise bounce into their eyes and obstruct their vision. Read also: 50 Interesting Giraffe Facts That Will Tower Over You. Raccoons have been the subject of a number of folk tales of the indigenous peoples, often portrayed as clever tricksters and skilled foragers. After around two months of pregnancy, a female raccoon gives birth to a litter of about 1-7 kits. We hate how they scatter our garbage, make their homes in inconvenient places and keep us up all night with unearthly noises. Fun Facts. Not only are they wild and unpredictable, they also are known to carry parasites and diseases. The name “raccoon” originates from the word “aroughcun”, a Powhatan term that means “one who scratches with its hands”. Raccoons are also excellent swimmers, hunting fish, frogs, and crayfish. Having a wild animal in the White House may sound absurd by today's standards, but considering Coolidge's pets at the time also included a bobcat, a goose, a donkey, two lion cubs, an antelope, and a wallaby, Rebecca fit right in. Raccoons were once thought to be related to bears. Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark. iStock Indeed, raccoon mothers are regularly observed teaching important survival skills to their young, unlike other animals who abandon their kids. Besides the risk of violent encounters, raccoons are a threat to your petâs health. The scientific name of the common raccoon, Procyon lotor, also emphasizes this behavior. In urban settings, treasures from the trash and cat food for ⦠before the introduction of human-populated cities. They can live in a hollow tree equally happy like they can in abandoned cars. After they were shown what to do, two out of eight raccoons copied the behavior, while a third took an unexpected approach to the problem and toppled the whole thing over. Their main causes of death are hunting, diseases, and vehicles. Thanks to the black markings that fall across their eyes, raccoons have been typecast as the conniving thief or trickster figure in stories for centuries. Find out more about this. Vomiting can also be a symptom of health problems like feline inflammatory bowel disease, feline diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and chronic kidney disease. They live for up to 2-3 years in the wild. Raccoons Are Called âWashersâ in Almost Every Language We've compiled some the best deals out there on tech, computers, and kitchen appliances so you don't have to waste your time browsing. When considering the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank closer to humans than most people would normally think. Cats cough up the fur they can't digest, and if they don't, it could create a dangerous obstruction in their bowels. In the wild, they dip their hands in water in search of food. The coat of raccoons is made up of dense underfur, which naturally insulates them and protects them against cold weather.