This new study has animal lovers in a tizzy. According to this study, raccoons are beginning to show signs of the domestication process. Thus, meaning that one day soon, these trash pandas could be an addition to a family's home. However, before you go out on the street and try to pet any random raccoon you see, learn what is making scientists think this way.
New Study Suggests Raccoons Will Be Domesticated One Day
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This new study was published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology, and it discusses how raccoons are showing early signs of domestication. According to the study, there are certain physical signs that a species is becoming domesticated. Those signs include "shorter snouts, floppy ears, white spots, and a reduced fear response towards humans." Those are traits that we often see among our dogs and household pets; however, we are starting to see them among these adorable trash pandas as well. After analyzing photos taken by citizens, researchers noticed something interesting. Raccoons in urban environments now have shorter snouts than those in rural regions.
In fact, the NY Post shares that the snouts of raccoons in densely populated areas were "about 3.5% shorter than their rural neighbors." Additionally, experts argue that domestication begins when animals begin ot adapt to new human-created environments. Raccoons are showing signs of domestication in this area as well by dumpster diving. They have quickly learned that they do not need to work as hard to secure a meal. Instead, they simply wait for us to throw out our food and then pick through the scraps. Study co-author Raffaela Lesch equated them to cats, claiming that in the same way a cat tolerates our aggressive petting for food, raccoons tolerate our presence for food.
Animal Lovers Are Ecstatic
Animal lovers across the internet are thrilled by the news that raccoons may soon be domesticated. Rather than questioning anything or being fearful of these trash pandas, people were expressing their joy. Here are some of the comments left under the video detailing the findings of the study.
One person wrote, "I accept."
Another added, "I want them to be our pets, they're f*ing adorable."
A third chimmed in,"I want one... or two... or one hundred."
Finally, someone stated, "Okay, I'm ready. We might not have a lot going for us, future-wise, but at least we have this. Sign me up. I'm ready."
