Raccoons break into liquor stores, scale skyscrapers and pick locks – studying their clever brains can clarify human intelligence, too

Trash pandas’ talent for escaping via lab vents may frustrate researchers, but their problem-solving skills make their brains a fascinating area of research.

By: Kelly Lambert, University of Richmond, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 16, 2026

Words: 1,338

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Kelly Lambert, University of Richmond

When a curious raccoon broke into an Ashland, Virginia, liquor store in December 2025, sampled the stock and passed out on the bathroom floor, the story went viral within minutes. The local animal shelter’s Facebook post was picked up by national and international outlets and quickly inspired raccoon-themed cocktails, “trashed panda” merchandise and even a cameo on “Saturday Night Live.”

For me, the story hit close to home. …

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