Raccoons are beloved by some and loathed by others, but one thing is certain: these mischievous, intelligent mammals are becoming increasingly intertwined with American life. Now, a new study, published on October 2 in the journal Frontiers in Zoology, suggests that raccoons living in cities may be in the early stages of domestication, evolving shorter snouts and softer features—traits commonly seen in animals like cats and dogs.
After evaluating nearly 20,000 photos, researchers found that urban raccoons are adapting physically and behaviorally to their proximity to people, becoming bolder around human environments without crossing into dangerous territory.
Their comfort around humans is visible everywhere, from TikTok-famous pet raccoons to the daring “trash panda” that bolted across a Major League Soccer field in 2024. Scientists say these changes align with “domestication syndrome,” a pattern of traits such as reduced facial structures and lower fear responses. Surprisingly, researchers argue that domestication does not begin with humans intentionally taming animals, but rather when wildlife adapts naturally to human-made habitats—especially those overflowing with an irresistible food source: trash.
As raccoons balance boldness with good behavior, their evolution highlights how wildlife can shift rapidly in response to urban living. Click through the following gallery and take a moment to appreciate the glorious ingenuity of the raccoon.