Raccoons have a better scent capability in comparison to dogs. They have been known to out fox the best of coon hounds as well as blood hounds. They also have paws closely relating to hands with a thumb joint to reach and pull. They are also easily domesticated when raised from young. They're smaller and faster and may have better reasoning than a canine. And how about helping people in their homes when they are disabled such as what they now use dogs for? There is no doubt that a raccoon couldn't open a cabinet or door, I've seen wild ones open latches that you would think was too sophisticated for the species.
2007-06-04 03:18:54 · 6 answers · asked by amberwolf_for_art 3 in Environment ➔ Other - Environment
Sorry SP, that is why so many animals get annual rabies vaccinations including the domesticated ones. So this couldn't be the reason. Oddly enough, the only reason a tamed raccoon, who was not abused or teased could possibly resort back to wild ways is from ingesting raw egg. Some dogs can get unruly after tasting raw meat also, no matter how many generations back they've been domesticated.
I just keep picturing in my mind a person trapped in rubble and the raccoon wiggling through with a oxygen line attached for the person, where a dog would not be as agile in manuvering such a way.
2007-06-05 14:49:03 · update #1
It's an excellent idea. The only problem is that while trainable, they have not been bred for domesticity. In other words, if put in the wrong position they will revert to their wild instincts when threatened and that can cause people a lot of harm. I know form experience that wild raccoons can do serious damage to people and other pets. If we could breed them for a while to make them more domesticated I would say to go for it.
2007-06-04 03:26:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Young raccoons can be very friendly and trainable. That's probably what gave you the impression they would be good for this. After they become adults, though, they are unpredictable and quite aggressive. I suggest leave raccoons to be raccoons.
2007-06-09 09:03:02 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great idea with a problems.Raccoons are still wild animals and I believe they will never become as domesticated as say a dog or house cat.
2007-06-04 03:53:36 · answer #3 · answered by Jim B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would prefer not to further corrupt another species by our human influence. Dogs and cats have strayed far from what is natural to them, and if they try to behave in a natural way humans have them spayed, neutered, declawed of disciplined.
Drugs is a "problem" created by humans and we should solve our own problems not to make our problem their problem by addicting raccoons and then having them search for their fix. I dislike it when people become twisted shadows of their natural selves by abusive relationships or repressive society. I dislike it even more if we do this to animals.
2007-06-07 23:17:32 · answer #4 · answered by han_ko_bicknese 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Raccoons are carriers of rabies, they are not affected by rabies but they can spread by a bite from a raccoon I think if if could be done it would have by now.
2007-06-05 09:39:55 · answer #5 · answered by SP Addict 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Use wolves!
2007-06-11 07:45:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋