The Current Raccoons: Pests or Pets
Nov 27, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Time, a social media creator and devoted raccoon owner, shares her experiences raising Tito the raccoon. She delves into the joys and challenges of keeping raccoons as pets, including their quirky personalities and training needs. Joining her is Christina Sluka, an ecologist exploring raccoon self-domestication. They reveal fascinating research on how urban environments are impacting raccoon morphology and behavior, hinting at their potential for coexistence with humans while addressing concerns about wildlife adaptability and disease risks.
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Rescuing Led To Permanent Pets
- Sarah Time rescued orphaned baby raccoons and raised them in her home after failing to find timely rehab help.
- She says once a raccoon becomes assimilated to humans it often cannot be released back to the wild.
Household Chaos From Clever Raccoons
- Sarah recounts raccoons turning on faucets and stuffing toilet paper down drains, causing flooding in her home.
- She locks cabinets and blocks rooms because raccoons will make toys of household items and access running water.
Don't Get A Raccoon Without Thought
- Sarah advises against most people getting pet raccoons and emphasizes responsible pet ownership.
- She urges matching a pet's needs to your lifestyle, energy level, and home environment.