Raccoon Nation

A raccoon mother gathers her kits to leave the security of their natal den and descend 60 feet, head first, into the darkness for their first touch on solid ground.

In this web-exclusive video, experts discuss the connection between raccoon dexterity, the animal's immense curiosity in objects, and intelligence.

How does the size of urban raccoon territory compare to that of its rural counterpart? This web-exclusive video interviews experts who participated in a study to learn more about raccoon city geography.

In this web-exclusive video, Producer Susan Fleming discusses the trials and tribulations that come with trying to capture high-quality images of raccoons in the pitch black.

This web exclusive video looks at the benefits of engaging in animal play: illustrating how things work, the physics of the world, and what to do and what not to do.

A look at raccoons’ migration to big cities and traits that help them thrive in urban environments.

A look at how scientists are using modern technology to gain a deeper understanding of raccoon behavior.

An overview of how thousands of raccoons ended up in Japan and the dangers they pose.

A look at how raccoon kits are raised by and learn from their mothers.

Find out if human beings’ efforts to outwit raccoons are actually making the animals smarter. 10/31/2012

Find out if human beings' efforts to outwit raccoons are actually making the animals smarter.