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Raccoons are known for their scavenging habits in cities all over North America. Not only do these creatures destroy garbage cans, but they also bring the threat of disease wherever they roam. Not much was known about the nocturnal animal’s behavior within the confines of cities, until now.

Canadian biologist Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux and Professor Suzanne McDonald conducted an experiment on urban raccoons using GPS tracking collars.

The purpose of this experiment was to determine what exactly the raccoons do on a regular basis, and whether or not a raccoon’s territory is large or small. The study lasted for almost two months.

GPS tracking collars were affixed to five raccoons who live in various areas of Toronto. These collars sent raccoon locations to researchers every five to fifteen minutes. This technology has made the data collected the most detailed raccoon data to date.

Through their research, Dupuis-Desormeaux and McDonald discovered the territory of each raccoon was an area roughly the size of three city blocks, regardless of location.  More interestingly, the data suggests that the animals do not cross major roads.  In fact, it appeared that major roads are the borders of each raccoon’s territory.

Researchers are still studying the raccoons, hoping to fully understand this adaptable, intelligent creature.  By collecting data, researchers may also be able to find a few ways to keep raccoons away from your garbage can. GPS tracking technology is the key to understanding the animal that humans must live alongside.

Article Written by Khristen Foss