Raccoons are strictly nocturnal: While raccoons are primarily active at night, they can also be seen during the day, especially females foraging for food for their young. Daytime activity does not necessarily indicate rabies.
Raccoons hibernate in winter: Contrary to popular belief, raccoons do not hibernate. They may enter a state of torpor during extreme weather but remain active throughout the year.
Raccoons wash their food: Raccoons do dip their food in water, but this behavior is not about cleanliness; it’s a way for them to explore and identify objects using their highly sensitive paws.
All raccoons carry rabies: Although raccoons can carry rabies, the prevalence is low, with less than 10% testing positive in recent years. Caution is advised, but not all raccoons are infected.
Raccoons are suitable pets: Raccoons have specific needs that make them unsuitable as pets, and keeping them without permits is often illegal.
Raccoons are dirty animals: While they scavenge for food, raccoons play a vital role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds.
Raccoons are unintelligent: In reality, raccoons are highly intelligent creatures capable of problem-solving and remembering solutions for years.