Cuter and closer: Raccoons may be on their way to becoming America's next pet

Urban raccoons are evolving to look cuter due to their proximity to humans, with a reduction in snout length observed, resembling the early stages of domestication in pets. Dubbed "trash pandas" or "backyard bandits," raccoons are widespread in the US, becoming beloved pets in some areas and persistent pests in others. The study suggests that trash plays a crucial role in this urban domestication, leading to physical changes similar to the domestication syndrome seen in common household pets like dogs. This process might be more of a natural selection as animals habituate to human environments, prompting a shift in their flight responses.