Raccoons are often pests when in an urban setting, getting into things, munching on our gardens and generally causing overall mischief. But did you know that until about the 1940s, raccoons were fairly uncommon in Canada??
Originally found in South-central US and Central America, raccoon populations began exploding around the 1880s until they reached their current (but still expanding!) range throughout the entire continental US and southern Canada. One of the reasons raccoons can be so frustrating in your backyard is their incredible cleverness. They can solve complex puzzles, grasp abstract concepts, and recognize symbols!