April 17, 2024 ā¢ 22 mins
In this episode, we will learn a little about raccoons. We will look at their appearance, life cycle, and how they adapted to living in cities and other urban environments. We also answer listener questions regarding how legs help us move, why we are ticklish, and how our body feels pain. This is a fun one!
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Sheryl & Clark
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About Sleep Tight Science
Sleep Tight Science is an engaging (but not too engaging) bedtime show for the whole family that answers the questions kids have about science.Ā Each episode explores a fascinating topic in science and technology, from the mysteries of outer space to the wonders of the human body. Sleep Tight Science is the perfect bedtime companion for curious minds of all ages. Have an interesting science topic you would like featured? Send us an email atĀ hello@sleeptightscience.com, and we may feature it in an upcoming show.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
For an ad free listening experience, please check out sleep
Tight Premium. A link can be found in our show notes.
Thank you you're listening to sleep Tight Science. Did you
(00:28):
know that the box jellyfish has not one, not two,
but twenty four eyes? What This ocean dweller doesn't just
stop at having a lot of eyes. It has four
different types of eyes, each designed for a specific purpose.
That's a lot of eyes. Hello, friends, and welcome back
(01:05):
to sleep Tight Science, a bedtime show that answers your
questions about science. In this episode, we are going to
talk about one of nature's clever.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Creatures, the raccoon.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
You know, the animal with the black mask around its
eyes and a bushy tail with dark rings. Raccoons have
long fingers and toes, and their feet almost look like ours,
especially when they leave prints in the mud or snow.
(01:39):
Their front paws and noses are super sensitive, helping them
find all sorts of snacks, from plants to little critters.
Raccoons are very curious animals from the time they're little.
They love to explore everything around them by smelling, touching,
(02:01):
and even nibbling on things they find during their nighttime adventures.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
They have forty teeth.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
That are kind of like what you'd see in wolves. Usually,
raccoons like to hang out alone, except for moms taking
care of their babies. Sometimes you might find them hanging
out in groups if there's a lot of food in
one place, or they might share a cozy den in
the winter with up to twenty three friends. The area
(02:34):
a raccoon calls home can be big or small, depending
on the amount of food and.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Safe spots available.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
On average, their home turf is about the size of
ninety nine football fields. We have a group of raccoons
at our house, which we discovered one night. When we
opened our back door, there was one no one standing
there waiting for us. Since then, they have been making
(03:05):
regular visits at night, trying to find ways into our
garbage bins.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Did you know that while.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
The box jellyfish boasts an astonishing twenty four eyes, giving
it nearly a three hundred and sixty degree view of
its watery world, the raccoon navigates the night with just two.
Yet those two raccoon eyes are like superpowered night goggles,
(03:36):
allowing them to see exceptionally well in the dark, Unlike
the jellyfish, which relies on its multitude of eyes to
spotlight and movement rather than to see clear images. So
while one thrives with an abundance of eyes beneath the waves,
the other makes the most of a pair to rule
(03:59):
the nighttime on land. The raccoon, with its distinctive black mask,
bushy ringed tail, and nimble front paws, boasts a unique
and adaptable physique that thrives in both wild and urban environments.
(04:19):
Raccoons can weigh anywhere from five to twenty pounds. These
creatures might not seem like heavyweights, but they're.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Built for versatility.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Their most notable feature is the mask of darker fur
around their eyes, which isn't just for show. It helps
reduce glare and enhances their night vision, perfect for their
nocturnal explorations. Then their fluffy tail with four to ten
(04:51):
black bands, acts almost like a balancing tool and a
cozy blanket rolled into one. But one of the most
amazing things about them is their front paws. Raccoons have
incredibly dexterous or agile fingers, capable of opening jars, turning
(05:14):
door knobs, and even unlocking cages. These nimble digits come
equipped with a super sense of touch, enhanced by special
hairs that send information straight to their brains even underwater.
Raccoons are the ultimate foodies of the animal kingdom. They're omnivores,
(05:39):
which means they eat both plants and animals. Their menu
might include fruits, nuts, berries, insects, worms, frogs, and even
small mammals. Raccoons are famous for washing their food in water.
It isn't about cleanliness. Wetting their paws increases their sensitivity,
(06:05):
allowing them to better feel their dinner. Raccoons are adaptable
and can make themselves at home in various environments. Originally
forest dwellers, they have become urban adventurers, thriving in cities
and towns due to abundant food and shelter. From the
(06:28):
dense forests of North America to the bustling cities backyards,
raccoons are comfortable almost anywhere. They're not picky about where
they crash. Either treeholes, abandoned burrows, or even a cozy
attic can make a fine home for these adaptable animals.
(06:51):
Their ability to adapt to living in towns and cities
has brought them in close contact with US humans, which
can sometimes lead to problems. Though they are cute, they
are still wild animals. One night, a group of four
even chased Clark around our yard after he tried to convince.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Them to go away.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Did you know that raccoons have brains that are really
good at solving puzzles and remembering solutions. Scientists found that
raccoons could remember the solutions to tasks for up to
three years. That's a long time. Next, let's learn a
(07:50):
little about the life cycle of the raccoon, from when
they're just tiny kits to becoming adventurous adults. In spring,
as trees bud and flowers bloom, mother raccoons give birth
to their offspring, known as kits. These kits are born
in dens located in trees, attics, or even under porches.
(08:15):
At birth, they are blind and death dependent on their
mother for warmth and nourishment, and are small enough to
fit in the palm of a hand. After about three weeks,
something amazing happens. The kits open their eyes for the
first time. Now they can start exploring their surroundings, but
(08:39):
still stick close to their den. Their mom teaches them
important raccoon skills, like how.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
To find food.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Raccoons eat almost anything they can get their paws on
from fruit and nuts to insects and small animals. As
the kids get older, around the edge of summer, they
start to venture out more and practice being independent. This
means they try to find food and explore new places
(09:09):
without mom's help. It's like going from reading a book
with help to reading all by yourself. By the time
raccoons are one year old, they're considered adults. They have
to find their own food and a place to live.
(09:30):
Adult raccoons usually live by themselves, except for mothers with
their kids. They're nocturnal, which means they are most active
at night. This is when they go out to find
food using their incredible sense of touch and smell. Adult
raccoons have their territories and areas they call home, and
(09:53):
they only like other raccoons coming into their space. If
it's mating season, that's when males in females come together
and the cycle starts again with new kits in the spring.
Life as a raccoon isn't always easy. They have to
watch over predators like owls and coyotes, and deal with
(10:15):
cars and people when they live near towns. Finding food
can be challenging, especially in cities, but raccoons are smart
and adaptable. They learn quickly and remember where they can
find good things to eat. So that's the life cycle
(10:35):
of a raccoon, from helpless kits to curious youngsters to
independent adults. Raccoons are one of our favorite animals, living
in the forest and rivers near our home. Are there
raccoons where you live? Did you know that raccoon uons
(11:00):
are native to North America. You can find them wandering
from Canada all the way down to Panama. While raccoons
are not native elsewhere, they have been introduced to several
other regions around the world, including Europe and parts of Asia.
(11:20):
In Europe, countries like Germany, France, and Spain have seen
growing populations of raccoons where they were either released into
the wild or escaped from captivity. Similarly, in Asia, raccoons
have been introduced to Japan and have established themselves, particularly
(11:43):
in areas around Tokyo. These introduced populations often thrive due
to a lack of natural predators and can impact local
wildlife and ecosystems. Now for some listener questions. Our first
question comes from Nikitha, who is eight years old and
(12:06):
comes from the Zaka Pathum, India. Nikitha asks why do
our bodies feel pain? Think of your body as having
its own warning system when you get hurt, like if
you scrape your knee or touch something too hot, your
body sends out super fast signals through your nerves, which
(12:28):
are like tiny messenger pathways. These signals zoom all the
way up to your brain, and your brain reads these
messages and.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Reacts out that hurt.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
This alarm system, which we call pain, is really important
because it tells us when something is not right. It's
like your body saying, hey, pay attention here. We might
be in danger or need to fix something. So if
you didn't feel pain and left your hand on something hot,
you could get a bad burn without even knowing it. Also,
(13:07):
pain helps us learn what to avoid so we don't
get hurt again. It's part of learning to care for
ourselves and stay safe. So even though it's not fun
to feel pain, it's a really important way our bodies
help to protect us.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Thank you for the question, Nikitha.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Our next question comes from Helen Kotz, who is seven
years old and lives in Texas. Helen asks why do
we laugh when we get tickled? Tickling triggers a complex
response in our nervous system, leading to laughter. When someone
tickles you, sensory receptors in our skin send signals through
(13:52):
the nerves to the somatosensory cortex in our brain, the
area responsible for processing touch. This signal then travels to
the hypothalamus, part of the brain that deals with emotional
responses and helps regulate our laughter.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
This part of your brain.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Gets a bit surprised and thinks, oh, that's unexpected, and
makes you laugh. Laughing when we're tickled is also a
way of our body saying, hey, that's enough. It's like
when you're playing a game, something surprises you and you
can't help but shout or laugh. Scientists also think that
(14:35):
laughing when we're tickled might be a way we learn
to bond and play with each other, like when families
and friends laugh and have fun together. So getting tickled
and laughing is just one of the quirky and fun
ways our bodies and brains work together to help us
connect with others. Helen also asked why isn't my day ticklish?
(15:03):
Some people might not seem ticklish for a few reasons.
One big reason is how our brain processes the sensation
of being tickled. If the brain doesn't interpret the touch
as ticklish, or someone is very good at controlling their reactions,
they might not laugh or squirm when tickled.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Everyone's body is a bit different too.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Some people have more sensitive skin or areas where they're
more likely to feel ticklish, and for others, their mind
and body might not respond strongly to tickling. Thank you
for the question, Helen. Our last question comes from Iana
from Adelaide, Australia, who is four years old. Iana asks
(15:55):
how do our legs help us move? Our legs fununction
as dynamic systems for movement, utilizing skeletal, muscular, and nervous
systems in coordination. The process begins with the central nervous system,
where the brain generates motor commands after deciding to move.
(16:20):
These commands are relayed through neurons acting as messengers to
the specific muscles in the legs.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Here's how it works.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
When you decide to take a step, your brain tells
the muscles at the front of your thighs to tighten
up and pull your leg forward. Then the muscles at
the back of your thighs and calves kick in to
push your foot off the ground. It's like using a
pair of paddles to push yourself forward in water. Your
(16:55):
legs also have bones that give them shape and help
support your body. The biggest bone in your body, the femur,
is in your thigh. It works with other bones in
your legs and feet to hold you up and help
you balance so you don't tip over when moving. And
(17:16):
don't forget about your knees. They act like hinges on
a door, bending and straightening, so your legs can move
smoothly as you walk, run, or dance. Every time you move,
your legs work together to get you where you want
to go.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
Thank you for the question, Ayana.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Did you know that raccoons look like nature's little bandits
with their distinctive black masks that make them look like
they're always up to something sneaky?
Speaker 2 (17:52):
But that's not all.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
As we said earlier, they have hands that can open
jars on lockages and even turn doorknobs, so we should
always keep our doors locked at night at our house.
Speaking of hands, do you remember that we said raccoons
are famous for washing their food before eating it. It's
(18:17):
not because they're picky eaters or concerned about germs. It's
believed they do this because wetting their paws enhances their
sense of touch. So next time you see a raccoon
dipping its dinner in water, it's just trying to get
a better feel for its meal. But wait, there's more.
(18:42):
Raccoons have a sweet tooth, just like us. They're known
to raid campsites and even urban trash bins in search
of tasty treats. This has earned them the title of
ultimate snack Bandits capable of navigating complex obstacles to get
to their sugary loot. It's like they're on a constant
(19:07):
quest the next big snack heist. Lastly, did you know
that raccoons can make over fifty different sounds to communicate
with each other. They have their own language from purrs, whistles, growls,
and screams. Raccoons are curious, clever, and have a knack
(19:32):
for getting into the funniest situations, all in the pursuit
of their next great snack. In this episode, we learned
a little about raccoons. We looked at their appearance, their
life cycle, and how they have adapted to living in
(19:52):
cities and more urban places. Raccoons have very long fingers
and toes, which are very sensitive and allow them to
open doors and things. Raccoons prefer to live alone unless
it's a mother and her kits or baby raccoons. The
raccoon's ability to adapt and live in places that are
(20:15):
not their normal homes has brought them into contact with us.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
But remember, even though they.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Are cute, they are still wild animals. We had questions
from Nikitha, Helen Coon's and Ayana regarding how legs help
us move, why we are ticklish, and how our body
feels pain. Thank you to Shrija six years old from Usakapachum, India,
(20:45):
Jarrett five years old from Everson, Washington, Naomi truloff Or
from Australia, Aika six years old in Nottingham, UK, Wilfred
five from Toronto, Tyler who is seven and Tadam who
is nine from Paragain Springs Old, Australia. Joe aged eight
(21:10):
and Jay aged six from Ireland. Juno age eight from Abbotsford,
British Columbia. Nate age seven from Melbourne, Australia, Case age
five from Abbotsford, British Columbia. Five year old, Caden Grantham
Giselle in Iowa who is five years old, Rosa five
(21:35):
years Old, Sophie Taylor Lincoln, aged eight from Maitland, Australia,
Dexter age six from Newcastle upon Tyne, Teddy aged eight
and Edith aged five from Norwalk, and Alexander age six.
(21:55):
We would love to get your feedback on our show.
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(22:17):
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If you'd like to send us your questions, please send
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For an ad free listening experience, please check out sleep
Tight Premium. A link can be found in our show notes.
Thank you you're listening to sleep Tight Science. Did you
(00:28):
know that the box jellyfish has not one, not two,
but twenty four eyes? What This ocean dweller doesn't just
stop at having a lot of eyes. It has four
different types of eyes, each designed for a specific purpose.
That's a lot of eyes. Hello, friends, and welcome back
(01:05):
to sleep Tight Science, a bedtime show that answers your
questions about science. In this episode, we are going to
talk about one of nature's clever.
Speaker 2 (01:16):
Creatures, the raccoon.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
You know, the animal with the black mask around its
eyes and a bushy tail with dark rings. Raccoons have
long fingers and toes, and their feet almost look like ours,
especially when they leave prints in the mud or snow.
(01:39):
Their front paws and noses are super sensitive, helping them
find all sorts of snacks, from plants to little critters.
Raccoons are very curious animals from the time they're little.
They love to explore everything around them by smelling, touching,
(02:01):
and even nibbling on things they find during their nighttime adventures.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
They have forty teeth.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
That are kind of like what you'd see in wolves. Usually,
raccoons like to hang out alone, except for moms taking
care of their babies. Sometimes you might find them hanging
out in groups if there's a lot of food in
one place, or they might share a cozy den in
the winter with up to twenty three friends. The area
(02:34):
a raccoon calls home can be big or small, depending
on the amount of food and.
Speaker 2 (02:41):
Safe spots available.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
On average, their home turf is about the size of
ninety nine football fields. We have a group of raccoons
at our house, which we discovered one night. When we
opened our back door, there was one no one standing
there waiting for us. Since then, they have been making
(03:05):
regular visits at night, trying to find ways into our
garbage bins.
Speaker 2 (03:13):
Did you know that while.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
The box jellyfish boasts an astonishing twenty four eyes, giving
it nearly a three hundred and sixty degree view of
its watery world, the raccoon navigates the night with just two.
Yet those two raccoon eyes are like superpowered night goggles,
(03:36):
allowing them to see exceptionally well in the dark, Unlike
the jellyfish, which relies on its multitude of eyes to
spotlight and movement rather than to see clear images. So
while one thrives with an abundance of eyes beneath the waves,
the other makes the most of a pair to rule
(03:59):
the nighttime on land. The raccoon, with its distinctive black mask,
bushy ringed tail, and nimble front paws, boasts a unique
and adaptable physique that thrives in both wild and urban environments.
(04:19):
Raccoons can weigh anywhere from five to twenty pounds. These
creatures might not seem like heavyweights, but they're.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Built for versatility.
Speaker 1 (04:31):
Their most notable feature is the mask of darker fur
around their eyes, which isn't just for show. It helps
reduce glare and enhances their night vision, perfect for their
nocturnal explorations. Then their fluffy tail with four to ten
(04:51):
black bands, acts almost like a balancing tool and a
cozy blanket rolled into one. But one of the most
amazing things about them is their front paws. Raccoons have
incredibly dexterous or agile fingers, capable of opening jars, turning
(05:14):
door knobs, and even unlocking cages. These nimble digits come
equipped with a super sense of touch, enhanced by special
hairs that send information straight to their brains even underwater.
Raccoons are the ultimate foodies of the animal kingdom. They're omnivores,
(05:39):
which means they eat both plants and animals. Their menu
might include fruits, nuts, berries, insects, worms, frogs, and even
small mammals. Raccoons are famous for washing their food in water.
It isn't about cleanliness. Wetting their paws increases their sensitivity,
(06:05):
allowing them to better feel their dinner. Raccoons are adaptable
and can make themselves at home in various environments. Originally
forest dwellers, they have become urban adventurers, thriving in cities
and towns due to abundant food and shelter. From the
(06:28):
dense forests of North America to the bustling cities backyards,
raccoons are comfortable almost anywhere. They're not picky about where
they crash. Either treeholes, abandoned burrows, or even a cozy
attic can make a fine home for these adaptable animals.
(06:51):
Their ability to adapt to living in towns and cities
has brought them in close contact with US humans, which
can sometimes lead to problems. Though they are cute, they
are still wild animals. One night, a group of four
even chased Clark around our yard after he tried to convince.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Them to go away.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Did you know that raccoons have brains that are really
good at solving puzzles and remembering solutions. Scientists found that
raccoons could remember the solutions to tasks for up to
three years. That's a long time. Next, let's learn a
(07:50):
little about the life cycle of the raccoon, from when
they're just tiny kits to becoming adventurous adults. In spring,
as trees bud and flowers bloom, mother raccoons give birth
to their offspring, known as kits. These kits are born
in dens located in trees, attics, or even under porches.
(08:15):
At birth, they are blind and death dependent on their
mother for warmth and nourishment, and are small enough to
fit in the palm of a hand. After about three weeks,
something amazing happens. The kits open their eyes for the
first time. Now they can start exploring their surroundings, but
(08:39):
still stick close to their den. Their mom teaches them
important raccoon skills, like how.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
To find food.
Speaker 1 (08:48):
Raccoons eat almost anything they can get their paws on
from fruit and nuts to insects and small animals. As
the kids get older, around the edge of summer, they
start to venture out more and practice being independent. This
means they try to find food and explore new places
(09:09):
without mom's help. It's like going from reading a book
with help to reading all by yourself. By the time
raccoons are one year old, they're considered adults. They have
to find their own food and a place to live.
(09:30):
Adult raccoons usually live by themselves, except for mothers with
their kids. They're nocturnal, which means they are most active
at night. This is when they go out to find
food using their incredible sense of touch and smell. Adult
raccoons have their territories and areas they call home, and
(09:53):
they only like other raccoons coming into their space. If
it's mating season, that's when males in females come together
and the cycle starts again with new kits in the spring.
Life as a raccoon isn't always easy. They have to
watch over predators like owls and coyotes, and deal with
(10:15):
cars and people when they live near towns. Finding food
can be challenging, especially in cities, but raccoons are smart
and adaptable. They learn quickly and remember where they can
find good things to eat. So that's the life cycle
(10:35):
of a raccoon, from helpless kits to curious youngsters to
independent adults. Raccoons are one of our favorite animals, living
in the forest and rivers near our home. Are there
raccoons where you live? Did you know that raccoon uons
(11:00):
are native to North America. You can find them wandering
from Canada all the way down to Panama. While raccoons
are not native elsewhere, they have been introduced to several
other regions around the world, including Europe and parts of Asia.
(11:20):
In Europe, countries like Germany, France, and Spain have seen
growing populations of raccoons where they were either released into
the wild or escaped from captivity. Similarly, in Asia, raccoons
have been introduced to Japan and have established themselves, particularly
(11:43):
in areas around Tokyo. These introduced populations often thrive due
to a lack of natural predators and can impact local
wildlife and ecosystems. Now for some listener questions. Our first
question comes from Nikitha, who is eight years old and
(12:06):
comes from the Zaka Pathum, India. Nikitha asks why do
our bodies feel pain? Think of your body as having
its own warning system when you get hurt, like if
you scrape your knee or touch something too hot, your
body sends out super fast signals through your nerves, which
(12:28):
are like tiny messenger pathways. These signals zoom all the
way up to your brain, and your brain reads these
messages and.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Reacts out that hurt.
Speaker 1 (12:42):
This alarm system, which we call pain, is really important
because it tells us when something is not right. It's
like your body saying, hey, pay attention here. We might
be in danger or need to fix something. So if
you didn't feel pain and left your hand on something hot,
you could get a bad burn without even knowing it. Also,
(13:07):
pain helps us learn what to avoid so we don't
get hurt again. It's part of learning to care for
ourselves and stay safe. So even though it's not fun
to feel pain, it's a really important way our bodies
help to protect us.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Thank you for the question, Nikitha.
Speaker 1 (13:27):
Our next question comes from Helen Kotz, who is seven
years old and lives in Texas. Helen asks why do
we laugh when we get tickled? Tickling triggers a complex
response in our nervous system, leading to laughter. When someone
tickles you, sensory receptors in our skin send signals through
(13:52):
the nerves to the somatosensory cortex in our brain, the
area responsible for processing touch. This signal then travels to
the hypothalamus, part of the brain that deals with emotional
responses and helps regulate our laughter.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
This part of your brain.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Gets a bit surprised and thinks, oh, that's unexpected, and
makes you laugh. Laughing when we're tickled is also a
way of our body saying, hey, that's enough. It's like
when you're playing a game, something surprises you and you
can't help but shout or laugh. Scientists also think that
(14:35):
laughing when we're tickled might be a way we learn
to bond and play with each other, like when families
and friends laugh and have fun together. So getting tickled
and laughing is just one of the quirky and fun
ways our bodies and brains work together to help us
connect with others. Helen also asked why isn't my day ticklish?
(15:03):
Some people might not seem ticklish for a few reasons.
One big reason is how our brain processes the sensation
of being tickled. If the brain doesn't interpret the touch
as ticklish, or someone is very good at controlling their reactions,
they might not laugh or squirm when tickled.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Everyone's body is a bit different too.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
Some people have more sensitive skin or areas where they're
more likely to feel ticklish, and for others, their mind
and body might not respond strongly to tickling. Thank you
for the question, Helen. Our last question comes from Iana
from Adelaide, Australia, who is four years old. Iana asks
(15:55):
how do our legs help us move? Our legs fununction
as dynamic systems for movement, utilizing skeletal, muscular, and nervous
systems in coordination. The process begins with the central nervous system,
where the brain generates motor commands after deciding to move.
(16:20):
These commands are relayed through neurons acting as messengers to
the specific muscles in the legs.
Speaker 2 (16:29):
Here's how it works.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
When you decide to take a step, your brain tells
the muscles at the front of your thighs to tighten
up and pull your leg forward. Then the muscles at
the back of your thighs and calves kick in to
push your foot off the ground. It's like using a
pair of paddles to push yourself forward in water. Your
(16:55):
legs also have bones that give them shape and help
support your body. The biggest bone in your body, the femur,
is in your thigh. It works with other bones in
your legs and feet to hold you up and help
you balance so you don't tip over when moving. And
(17:16):
don't forget about your knees. They act like hinges on
a door, bending and straightening, so your legs can move
smoothly as you walk, run, or dance. Every time you move,
your legs work together to get you where you want
to go.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
Thank you for the question, Ayana.
Speaker 1 (17:41):
Did you know that raccoons look like nature's little bandits
with their distinctive black masks that make them look like
they're always up to something sneaky?
Speaker 2 (17:52):
But that's not all.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
As we said earlier, they have hands that can open
jars on lockages and even turn doorknobs, so we should
always keep our doors locked at night at our house.
Speaking of hands, do you remember that we said raccoons
are famous for washing their food before eating it. It's
(18:17):
not because they're picky eaters or concerned about germs. It's
believed they do this because wetting their paws enhances their
sense of touch. So next time you see a raccoon
dipping its dinner in water, it's just trying to get
a better feel for its meal. But wait, there's more.
(18:42):
Raccoons have a sweet tooth, just like us. They're known
to raid campsites and even urban trash bins in search
of tasty treats. This has earned them the title of
ultimate snack Bandits capable of navigating complex obstacles to get
to their sugary loot. It's like they're on a constant
(19:07):
quest the next big snack heist. Lastly, did you know
that raccoons can make over fifty different sounds to communicate
with each other. They have their own language from purrs, whistles, growls,
and screams. Raccoons are curious, clever, and have a knack
(19:32):
for getting into the funniest situations, all in the pursuit
of their next great snack. In this episode, we learned
a little about raccoons. We looked at their appearance, their
life cycle, and how they have adapted to living in
(19:52):
cities and more urban places. Raccoons have very long fingers
and toes, which are very sensitive and allow them to
open doors and things. Raccoons prefer to live alone unless
it's a mother and her kits or baby raccoons. The
raccoon's ability to adapt and live in places that are
(20:15):
not their normal homes has brought them into contact with us.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
But remember, even though they.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
Are cute, they are still wild animals. We had questions
from Nikitha, Helen Coon's and Ayana regarding how legs help
us move, why we are ticklish, and how our body
feels pain. Thank you to Shrija six years old from Usakapachum, India,
(20:45):
Jarrett five years old from Everson, Washington, Naomi truloff Or
from Australia, Aika six years old in Nottingham, UK, Wilfred
five from Toronto, Tyler who is seven and Tadam who
is nine from Paragain Springs Old, Australia. Joe aged eight
(21:10):
and Jay aged six from Ireland. Juno age eight from Abbotsford,
British Columbia. Nate age seven from Melbourne, Australia, Case age
five from Abbotsford, British Columbia. Five year old, Caden Grantham
Giselle in Iowa who is five years old, Rosa five
(21:35):
years Old, Sophie Taylor Lincoln, aged eight from Maitland, Australia,
Dexter age six from Newcastle upon Tyne, Teddy aged eight
and Edith aged five from Norwalk, and Alexander age six.
(21:55):
We would love to get your feedback on our show.
If you have any feedback, please send it our way.
If you want to make sure you get all the episodes,
please ask your parents to subscribe. You can find us
on Apple Podcasts or wherever your parents listen to podcasts.
If you love learning about science with us, please leave
(22:17):
us a review. It may help others find our show.
If you'd like to send us your questions, please send
them to Hello at sleeptightscience dot com sleep tight
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