Sleeping Racoon Low Poly Papercraft by Animapapir

9 Nov, 2021

5 Facts About Raccoons, Smart Mammals That Are Often Seen Negatively

Even though it's cute, why do people hate it so much?

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals native to North America and are also found in parts of Europe and Japan. This animal is famous for its unique appearance which is like wearing a black mask on the face. And plus their habit of stealing and looking for food in the trash, they are also sometimes called trash pandas.

This animal doesn't exist in Indonesia, but you may know it from the Rocket Raccoon character in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy film. What are some unique facts about this intelligent animal that often gets a bad image? This is the review.

1. Consists of several species

Raccoons living in North America are the Procyon lotor species, and they are the most common raccoons. But according to the New World Encyclopedia, there are still 2 other raccoon species in the world.

The first is the species Procyon cancrivorus commonly called the crab-eating raccoon. They live in Central and South America. There is also the Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus) which is rarer and only lives on the island of Cozumel in eastern Mexico.

2. They have hands

Raccoons usually walk on all fours. But their forelegs actually function like human hands. So they can use their hands like humans, for example to hold food, open packaged food, and even open the lid of a trash can to find food.

It was even his hands that earned the raccoon its name. According to Mentalfloss, the name raccoon comes from the Powhatan word aroughcun which means an animal that scratches with its hands.

3. The mask works like sunglasses

In addition to his hands, the hallmark of a raccoon is his face which has a black pattern like a mask. Apparently the pattern has its own function. Like human sunglasses, the black pattern on a raccoon's face blocks light so they can see more clearly during the day.

4. Is a very intelligent animal

Raccoons are not only equipped with hands that can do many things, but also extraordinary intelligence to use them. The Washington Post reports a study showing that the number of neurons in a raccoon's brain is as many as a dog's, but their brains are smaller.

Even if we compare the number of neurons to the size of a raccoon's brain, we can mistake it for the brain of a small primate. It shows that they are intelligent animals. And it is evident from the way they forage, especially in urban areas. The famous raccoon can go through various obstacles to get food.

5. They are classified as invasive animals

Because of his intelligence, raccoons can adapt very well in urban areas. Also due to the fact that they are omnivores so they can eat anything. In North America, wild raccoons are common, and they often use their intelligence to break into homes and steal food.

Because of this they are usually considered pests. Raccoons are native to North America, but they have now invaded Europe and Japan, bringing with them their habit of stealing and sometimes spreading diseases such as rabies. That's why, despite being intelligent, raccoons are generally viewed with a negative image by people.

Those are five facts about raccoons, intelligent animals that are often viewed negatively. Actually they are quite cute, yes, but unfortunately they like to steal and can spread disease. So you need to be careful if one day you meet this animal.