Evaluating Raccoon Cognition and Behaviour
Project Leads
Sarah Benson-Amram, Assistant Professor, Department of Forest and Conservation Science/ Zoology, Faculty of Forestry and Science (Supervisor)
Hannah Griebling, UBC Graduate Student (PhD), Faculty of Forestry
Funding
Canada Foundation for Innovation; Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems
About the Project
As life becomes increasingly urbanized, it is crucial to understand how heterogeneous, urban environments impact animal behavior and cognition — especially in ‘nuisance’ species such as the raccoon. Raccoons are well known for thriving in urban and agricultural environments, largely by accessing human resources, and the UBC Farm provides a unique opportunity to investigate raccoon behaviour on an urban farm. Our work seeks to evaluate raccoon cognition and how this is impacted by various urban environments. This research can help us better understand how and why raccoons thrive in urban spaces, while other species struggle to adapt to global urbanization. Additionally, we hope to promote coexistence with species that are often considered a ‘nuisance’ in cities.