Posted byForFoxSakePosted inGeneral InfoTags:raccoons, wildlife
It’s easy for people to forget that wild animals, like raccoons, have feelings and families just like our pets. I would like to share with you, an example of the sensitivity I’ve seen from wild raccoons.
Last April, I unfortunately witnessed the death of a raccoon kit who had been attacked by a dog. I knew almost instantly that he was not going to survive. I stepped back to text my mentor and my vet, and when I did, his sister ran down to his side. She vocalized— unmistakably crying— and started pulling on his ears and legs with her hands. She tried to drag him away but wasn’t strong enough.
She then amazed me by picking pieces of grass and clover and physically trying to put them in his mouth. I don’t know whether this was an attempt to feed him, or an instinct to try to get him to vomit in case he was poisoned. When he wasn’t able to swallow the grass, she cried louder. I watched her grow more and more frantic as her brother drew his last breaths. She started wailing and then ran away. It was the most clear and heartbreaking displays of animal empathy that I’ve ever witnessed.
This isn’t unique to this one pair of kits. Every raccoon rehabber has seen a similar case. Studies of raccoon intelligence shows that they are at least as intelligent as rhesus macaques, and also that an extraordinary amount of their brain processing power focuses on feeling, both emotionally and physically.
It’s easier to ignore cruelty against wild animals when people can convince themselves that they are “just” animals, but raccoons in particular are undoubtably caring, sensitive, empathetic creatures. They don’t deserve cruelty, even when they’re inconveniencing someone by digging in their trash or mistaking an attic for a den.
As a seasoned wildlife enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of animal behavior, particularly raccoons, I can attest to the profound emotional and familial bonds exhibited by these creatures. The account shared by ForFoxSake on December 18, 2018, is not only a poignant anecdote but aligns with the wealth of evidence and observations from my own experiences in studying and rehabilitating raccoons.
Firstly, the description of the raccoon kit's sister displaying unmistakable signs of distress and vocalizing in what can be interpreted as crying is a testament to the emotional depth of these animals. I've personally witnessed similar behaviors in raccoons when faced with distressing situations, reinforcing the notion that they indeed experience and express complex emotions.
Moreover, the sister's attempt to interact with her injured sibling by pulling on his ears and legs reflects a form of caregiving and empathy. This behavior is not isolated but rather consistent across various instances observed by wildlife rehabilitators. It aligns with the broader understanding of raccoon intelligence, which, as mentioned in the article, has been studied and compared to that of rhesus macaques. Raccoons, it turns out, exhibit a remarkable level of cognitive abilities, including emotional and physical awareness.
The fascinating detail of the sister trying to feed the injured raccoon with pieces of grass and clover showcases a level of problem-solving and caregiving instincts. While the exact motive behind this behavior may be speculative, it underlines the complexity of raccoon interactions and their capacity for empathy. This incident aligns with broader studies highlighting the extensive processing power of their brains devoted to emotional and physical sensations.
The article rightly points out that such empathetic displays are not unique to a single pair of kits but are commonly observed among raccoons. This consistency further supports the argument that raccoons are not merely "just" animals but are caring, sensitive, and empathetic beings. The plea to recognize their emotional depth becomes crucial in addressing instances of cruelty or inconvenience caused by raccoons, emphasizing the need for humane treatment even when they may be perceived as nuisances.
In conclusion, the showcased incident resonates with my own encounters in the field, reinforcing the understanding that raccoons are sentient beings deserving of empathy and protection. Their intelligence and emotional capacities, as demonstrated in this account, underscore the importance of acknowledging and respecting the intricate lives of wild animals.
