Rescued raccoon has peculiar way of scratching itself

This funny Crab-eating Raccoon has neurological problems and had to be rescued. She is monitored by a veterinary and receives really good care. She might have an odd appearance and behavior, but we must agree that she has a very captivating way of scratching her head!Show more

In reality, rubbing the posterior part of the neck against objects is a form of territorial marking in this species. The marking is done using vertical or rotating movements of the head. And as it can be observed in the video, glandular secretions, usually from their anal glands, are also used for marking, as well as urine and feces.

Crab-eating Raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus), also known as South American Raccoons, are native to South and Central America. They inhabit marshy and jungle areas, and feed mostly on crabs, lobsters, crayfish and other crustaceans and shellfish, such as oysters and clams, but being omnivorous, they also eat fruit, turtle eggs and small amphibians. They are about the same size as common raccoons, in spite of looking smaller, due to its much shorter fur. Although it is naturally rare in some of the areas of its range, and unlike its Northern cousin, it doesn't adapt well to human activity, the species is listed as Least Concern, because it has a wide distribution range.

They are nocturnal, solitary, and active at ground level. They have well-developed tactile senses, particularly in the nose and hands, using their hands as tools. They use their hands to handle and manipulate food before placing it in their mouths, and can manipulate small prey items. They can also be observed dipping their food in the water before eating it. Some studies have placed raccoons' intelligence above cats' but below primates', when it comes to discriminate objects. They also showed that raccoons can learn quickly and retain knowledge for up to a year. Female distribution is limited by resources such as water, food, and den sites, whereas males might be driven by the densities and spatial distribution of females. They have excellent nighttime vision, in spite of being color blind, and have 13 different vocalizations recognized so far, 7 of which are between the mother and young.