Can a raccoon pick a lock? I'm Adam from Ripleys.com and this is your Weird Minute. Already called bandits for the black markings surrounding their eyes like a domino mask, raccoons are one of nature's most cunning burglars. Possessing an ultra-fine sense of touch, an estimated 60% of their cerebral cortex is believed to be dedicated to interpreting tactile feedback. Their eyesight is suited for close-up objects during twilight hours,
and their sense of hearing is sharp enough to hear earthworms underfoot. Wanting to test the intelligence of raccoons, animal behavior scientist H.B. Davis conducted a study on raccoons' ability to pick locks. He found that raccoons were able to pick 11 out of 13 complex locks in fewer than 10 tries, and were able to pick the locks despite being rearranged or turned upside down.
While these locks were not complex, consisting of simple door bars, hooks, bolts, latches and levers, the raccoons demonstrated a level of learning equivalent to macaques. Studies later showed that raccoons held long-term memories of the puzzles.
easily repeating their solutions to these tasks for three years. They also demonstrated memory of various symbols and shapes. For more strange stories, visit ripleys.com, rate The Weird Minute if you haven't already, and tune in tomorrow for another Minute of Odd.