Raccoons are curious, resourceful, uniquely intelligent problem solvers. Give raccoons a puzzle and, as long as there's food involved, they'll usually find a way to solve it.
They are some of the most adaptable mammals in the United States. Raccoons can occupy both rural and urban areas as well as live in different types of climates. They're also known to thrive in suburban environments as well. City dwellers may notice urban raccoons reach special levels of cunning. This may be because urban raccoons are forced to outsmart human-made obstacles on a regular basis. Scientists have found through experimentation that urban raccoons have learned to avoid major intersections as well as solve unconventional problems. A good example of an unconventional problem is how some raccoons have successfully learned to open the lids of trash cans.
Raccoons also have excellent night vision and an acute sense of hearing. They "see" with their hands. While most animals use either sight, sound, or smell to hunt, raccoons rely on their sense of touch to locate items of interest. By nature, raccoons are not social creatures. During the day, they sleep in dens in trees. During cold winter periods, they may sleep for an extended period, but do not hibernate.
Additionally, raccoons are great swimmers. Their nimble fingers are used to feel through the bottoms of streams for food, where it's further cleaned. They also use their agile fingers to climb trees and open containers. On occasion, these sly, inquisitive creatures also find their way into homes hunting for tasty treats. In areas frequented regularly, they even dig latrines.
So, what was the most interesting fact I learned during my research about the traits of raccoons? Answer: I was aware raccoons are very agile climbers but did you know they've been known to scale skyscrapers?
As for me, learning this fact was a "wow" moment. Honorable mention: The digging of latrines.
What about you? Did find something interesting or learn anything new about the traits of raccoons you weren't aware of before today? If so, please share.
