Watch A Raccoon With Mission Impossible Vibes Earn Their Bandit Status

Respect to this racoon! It rivals Mission Impossible’s Ethan Hunt when it comes to daring stunts. This incredible animal athlete can suspend its entire body weight using just four limbs as it straddles two narrow ledges in a roof. It edges along and, when it meets a dead end, it does a full 180 degree turn and comes back the way it has come. A remarkable display of strength and agility!

All About Racoons

Racoons are a common sight in some areas of North America and can be spotted by their black face mask markings and their ringed tail. They can live for up to 15 years and can weigh up to 19 pounds or so. These guys seem to thrive on living near and among humans. Some people love them and enjoy their funny tricks, just like this one. Other people view them as a pest.

Racoons are distantly related to bears but they are not a single species. There is the common racoon (northern raccoon) the South American raccoon and the Cozumel raccoon. There are also over 20 subspecies. They all have a pointed snout, rounded ears, sharp teeth and a bushy tail. These mammals are around two or three feet long and weigh between 15 and 35 pounds.

Racoons, Agility and Trees

Not everyone realizes just how agile racoons are! When they are on the ground, they can run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour which helps them get away from many predators. Water is not a problem for them as they are excellent swimmers. Their hands are surprisingly dexterous and they are able to climb up trees and leap down 40 feet without getting injured. When they are not in urban environments, they like to live in wooded areas. Therefore, climbing trees is a key skill for evading predators such as coyotes, wolves, hawks, and owls. The quicker they can get up the tree the safer they are! The baby racoons learn how to do it from a young age. One racoon has even climbed the UBS tower in St. Paul, Minnesota – this was in 2018.

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