Raccoons owe their name to their skilled paws, clutching onto anything they find. Native Americans coined their name, "aroughcun," meaning "animal that scratches with its hands."
Three species of raccoons exist worldwide, with Procyon lotor being the most familiar in the US. Others thrive in tropical regions further south.
Their iconic masks aren't just for looks—they reduce glare, aiding night vision by absorbing light.
Rebecca, a raccoon, became a White House pet under Coolidge, known for her walks and Easter Egg Roll appearances.
Originally exported for fur farms, raccoons escaped in Europe, becoming invasive. In Japan, their popularity surged after an anime, leading to widespread presence.
Adaptable raccoons thrive across North America, from forests to urban centers, despite habitat loss.
City raccoons excel in problem-solving, navigating human-made challenges to survive and thrive.
Once considered for lab experiments, raccoons' intelligence and curiosity proved challenging to contain.
Raccoons "see" with their paws, using touch to find food, aided by "dousing" their hands in water for heightened sensitivity.
Known for solving puzzles for food, raccoons demonstrate ingenuity and adaptability in various environments.