GoGreenNation news

Last July, my backyard trail camera in Southeast Portland’s Foster-Powell neighborhood captured a dexterous raccoon along a fenceline unraveling an old clothesline that tied up in its pathway and then securing it out of the way in above tree branches.The raccoon, which was later dubbed Knottingham by YouTube viewers, has received nearly 400,000 views on YouTube and been played more than 500,000 times on Facebook. It’s also found on several other social platforms.In addition, Knottingham, a regular nocturnal visitor to my backyard about 100 feet off Powell Boulevard, has received nearly 2,000 entertaining comments including:“A raccoon will drive your car if you aren’t careful with the keys.”“Every time you find a cord in your attic that has mysteriously tied itself into infinity knots that weren’t there when you put it away... you now know who’s to blame.”“And animals can’t do math? That’s 3D spatial reasoning.”“This explains my Christmas lights.”“I, for one, welcome our new procyonidae overlords.”“The raccoon is smarter than 90% of people in Portland. Raccoon for Mayor.”Mark Graves/The OregonianSome commenters were skeptical and believed the video was staged because of gaps in the footage. In reality, the video was genuine and the gaps were due to the camera only being able to record for 15 seconds, then resting for a bit and restarting once motion is detected.After seeing the video take off with interest, I decided to give the curious critter a challenge. I put the clothesline back in the raccoon’s path, added a larger rope attached to a small cedar board and a rubber dog ball hanging from a nearby branch. Within a day or two, Knottingham took interest and brought along some curious young kits to join. Knottingham and the kits continued to visit for weeks after seemingly enjoying the entangled puzzle of ropes and toys. In the last month, raccoon visits have been scarce. Interesting raccoon info:Population numbers are unknown, but they’re prevalent throughout the state anywhere there’s water. You’re unlikely to see them in the high desert or high mountainous regions. Often mistaken for large rodents, raccoons are actually the largest animal in the Procyonidae family which includes ringtails, cacomistles, coatis, kinkajous, olingos and olinguitos, most of which reside in Central America. They’re more similar to a small bear. In Germany Prochyonide is called Kleinbären which means “small bear”. They’re omnivorous and will eat everything from chickens to insects, fruits and nuts, frogs and just plain old garbage. In Oregon, their diet reflects where they live. For example, if they’re on the coast they’ll feed on shellfish, crabs, fish and other marine life. They love salmon during spawning season. They can swim for long periods while periodically holding their breath underwater to seek out food or escape predators.You might see them analyzing an object with their thumb-like paws. This is because they have four times the sensory cells of most animals, making them hyper-responsive to touch. They will feel something in order to identify it, especially in the dark. They’re even known to “wash” their food before eating it.The word “raccoon” comes from the Powhatan word “aroughcun,” which means “animal that scratches with its hands”. Yes, it’s true, raccoons can pick a simple lock. Studies have shown them unlocking complex mechanisms along with latches, jars, doors, coolers and garbage lids. Once learned, the clever problem solvers remember for years and the young learn from the old. In captivity, raccoons have been observed using tools to solve problems. The cliche fur mask they wear is designed to reduce glare and enhance night vision.You might’ve heard one before and had no clue what it was. They are highly vocal producing dozens of sounds including purring, growling and even a kind of “chittering” when they communicate.In Oregon, they reach just over 20 pounds and they’re lucky to live more than three years in the wild. In captivity, they can reach about 20 years old.Like cats, they always land on their feet.In the city, they’ll make homes in sewers, attics, culverts, chimneys and under decks. Elsewhere they can be found in small dens, tree cavities and abandoned burrows of other animals. You’re most likely to cross their path in late summer and fall as they prepare for winter by foraging for food. Oregon has been largely free of raccoon rabies. The state has strict regulations to prevent the spread of rabies, including a ban on relocating raccoons.During the fur trade era, which lasted till the 1840s, raccoons in Oregon and Southwest Washington were highly valued for their pelts. Though not as popular as beaver pelts, the demand for raccoon fur was one of the factors that attracted European exploration and settlement in the region.Indigenous tribes in Oregon and southwest Washington could practically trap raccoons blindfolded and were integral to the fur trade economy, supplying raccoon pelts and other furs to European traders. Check out the links in the sources below to learn a ton more about our fellow backyard critters. –Mark Graves, The Oregonian/OregonLivemgraves@oregonian.com503-860-3060@mark_w_gravesSources: Missouri Department of Conservation; The College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF); National Geographic for Kids; National Wildlife Federation (NWF); Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW); Iowa Department of Natural Resources; Nevada Department of Wildlife; Maryland Department of Natural Resources- Wildlife & Heritage Service; and Oregon Historical SocietyMore Oregon wildlife:

The raccoon, dubbed Knottingham by YouTube viewers, went viral for its unexpected knot tying skills.