Page 35 - World of Animals - Issue #30

Nature’s most cunning

Raccoons have

remarkable memories

and expert burglary skills

Raccoons look like bandits with their In the early 20th century, raccoons were NORTHERN RACCOON
famous mask-like markings, and play up popular test subjects for scientists hoping Procyon lotor
to this notorious reputation with their to gain a better understanding of animal Class Mammalia
considerable talent for thievery. intelligence. It was found that they have
Although cute and innocent-looking, an incredible memory and are able to
you should take care of your things retain information for longer than dogs,
when these cunning critters are around, even after being distracted. However, the Territory North America
particularly if it’s food. As common animals were too wily for extensive testing Diet Fish, amphibians,
invertebrates, eggs, fruit, nuts
residents in American campsites, it’s not – escaped raccoons became a nuisance Lifespan 5 years
uncommon to find tents ransacked by after gnawing through their cages and Adult weight 6kg (13lb)

raccoons looking for an easy lunch. With hiding in ventilation shafts. Because Conservation status

their nimble and highly sensitive fingers, of these difficulties, there has been
some raccoons have even shown an surprisingly little research into raccoon
aptitude for lock picking. intelligence and behaviour. LEAST CONCERN
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