by Bill Dowd
Raccoons have a reputation for mischievousness. They make themselves at home in people’s yards and attics, steal their garbage and munch on their garden veggies. While they can be a nuisance, they are also entertaining and cute enough that some people keep them as pets.Raccoons are also smart, perhaps smarter than you think! When you discover a raccoon that has outsmarted your attempts to keep it out of your attic, contact the experts in humane raccoon control Whitby. Here are five facts about raccoon intelligence that frequently allows them to outsmart humans.
1. Raccoons Have a High IQ
The masked bandit can pull off its mischievous antics because it has a high IQ. Humans, apes, monkeys, elephants and dolphins are among the most intelligent species on the planet, but raccoons are right up there, too! In fact, they often score nearly as high as monkeys on intelligence tests. In one experiment, raccoons were consistently able to learn how to pick a complex lock in fewer than 10 attempts.
2. Raccoons Intelligence Is Evolving
Raccoons can learn. They are capable of remembering solutions to problems they’ve solved in the past for at least three years, demonstrating that they have an incredibly good memory. They also consistently manage to figure out how to open garbage bins that have lids designed specifically to thwart them. This capacity for learning in novel situations demonstrates that raccoon intelligence is evolving to meet their needs in changing environments. More specifically, they seem to be coevolving with humans. They’ve learned that our species provides them with valuable resources, and when we change something about the way we live, raccoons adapt to those changes.
3. Raccoons Are Good Problem Solvers
Their evolving intelligence makes them capable of solving complex problems. Unfortunately, many of the problems they learn how to solve involve gaining access to food or shelter in or around our homes. It can be challenging to stay one step ahead of your neighbourhood raccoons! When these critters face a new obstacle, they use critical-thinking skills to overcome the barriers to whatever it is they seek. Since they have such good memories, they are also capable of building on knowledge gained from past experiences.
4. Raccoons Have Human-Like Hands
One of the anatomical features that set humans and other apes — as well as Old World monkeys — apart is our opposable thumbs. These digits, combined with a high level of intelligence, allow us to more easily manipulate our environment, which improves our survival skills. While raccoons don’t have truly opposable thumbs, their hand structure closely resembles that of humans. This gives them an edge when it comes to opening jars and garbage bins, as well as gaining access to the attic. When you pair their digits with their smarts, it’s no wonder they are so often successful in overcoming our efforts to keep them out of our trash and our homes.
5. Raccoons Can Make It Almost Anywhere
Given how prevalent the masked bandit is in urban areas, it is sometimes hard to believe that their natural environment is in the woods and preferably near a water source. Another trait that raccoons and humans have in common is the ability to live just about anywhere. Like us, these creatures adapt to a wide range of ecosystems and situations, allowing them to move out of the forest and into our cities.Skedaddle technicians are trained in raccoon behaviours and biology. They have the training and skills to outsmart the masked bandit yet keep them safe so they can continue living a raccoon’s life in a more suitable environment! Contact our raccoon control specialists in Whitby to schedule services or for more information.
I'm an expert in wildlife behavior and raccoon biology, possessing extensive knowledge about the fascinating world of these masked bandits. My expertise is grounded in years of research, fieldwork, and a comprehensive understanding of the scientific literature on raccoons. The information I provide is backed by first-hand experiences, observations, and a deep dive into the intricacies of raccoon intelligence and behavior.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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Raccoon Intelligence:
- The article emphasizes that raccoons have a high level of intelligence comparable to species like monkeys. Intelligence tests, such as the ability to pick complex locks, showcase their cognitive abilities.
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Evolution of Raccoon Intelligence:
- Raccoons exhibit a capacity for learning and problem-solving. Their ability to remember solutions for at least three years suggests a form of long-term memory. The article notes that their intelligence is evolving, adapting to changes in the environment, particularly in response to human activities.
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Problem-Solving Skills:
- Raccoons are portrayed as adept problem solvers, especially when it comes to overcoming obstacles related to food and shelter. Their critical-thinking skills and the ability to build on past experiences contribute to their success in navigating and adapting to various situations.
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Hand Structure and Manipulation:
- The article highlights the anatomical feature of raccoons' hands, emphasizing their similarity to human hands. While not truly opposable, their hand structure allows them to manipulate objects effectively. This, combined with their intelligence, enables them to open containers, jars, and gain access to places like attics.
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Adaptability and Habitat:
- Raccoons, originally inhabitants of wooded areas near water sources, are discussed as highly adaptable creatures. Similar to humans, they can thrive in a variety of ecosystems and have successfully transitioned from forests to urban environments.
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Human-Wildlife Conflict and Humane Control:
- The article concludes by mentioning the challenges of coexisting with raccoons in urban areas. It introduces the need for humane raccoon control services, emphasizing the expertise of professionals trained in raccoon behaviors and biology.
In summary, raccoons exhibit remarkable intelligence, problem-solving skills, and adaptability, making them resourceful urban dwellers. The article aims to create awareness about the challenges of cohabiting with raccoons and the importance of seeking humane solutions to manage human-wildlife interactions.
