Thinking Raccoons

Thinking Raccoons

From Critter Chat by Critter Chat

February 4, 2026 · 30 min · Episode 23

About this episode

This episode features an interview with cognitive ecologist Dr. Lauren Stanton discussing raccoon behavior and adaptability to human environments.

Rocky Raccoon stars in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy , a scrappy, genius, tinkering with tools to solve problems of the universe. It’s not surprising that our raccoon neighbors inspired this character as these adorably masked nocturnal critters solve the trickiest problems to access food and shelter. In this episode, Critter Chat talks with cognitive ecologist Dr. Lauren Stanton, UC Berkeley and The Schell Lab , where she studies raccoon behavior and what makes them so adaptable to living among humans and thriving as their wild habitats have become increasingly more inhabited by humans. For more information, see critterchat.org or Instagram: critterchat1 Critter Chat tells stories of Sierra Nevada wildlife featuring interviews with experts in the field. Critter Chat is locally produced and hosted by Susan Brandt and Marney Blair. Critter Chat is a project of Rational Animal . Image credit: Raccoon, Lemongrass, works the puzzle box © Dr. Lauren Stanton

People in this episode

Hosts: Susan Brandt, Marney Blair

Guest: Dr. Lauren Stanton

Topics covered

  • raccoon behavior
  • cognitive ecology
  • adaptability
  • wildlife
  • human interaction

Keywords

  • raccoons
  • cognitive ecology
  • wildlife behavior
  • human interaction
  • adaptability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UC Berkeley, The Schell Lab, Rational Animal

Books & works: Guardians of the Galaxy

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