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How small of a gap can a raccoon fit through?

2 Answers

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Final answer:

Raccoons can fit through very small spaces as small as 4 inches in diameter due to their flexible bodies. This ability helps them forage for food and find shelter and often brings them into conflict with humans when they enter homes through small openings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question involves how small of a gap a raccoon can fit through, which pertains to the biological abilities of raccoons, specifically their flexibility and skeletal structure. Raccoons are known for their ability to squeeze through very small spaces. This capability is due to the fact that raccoons have a highly flexible body; they can compress their bodies to fit through narrow openings. It has been observed that raccoons can fit through gaps as small as 4 inches in diameter, which is quite small considering the size of an adult raccoon.

Their skill at fitting through small gaps is utilized when they are foraging for food or seeking shelter. It's also what sometimes makes raccoons a challenge in urban environments, as they can enter homes through small openings. This ingenuity and flexibility, while advantageous to the raccoon in the wild and in urban settings, often lead them to be considered 'nuisance' animals when they intrude into human dwellings.

User Teylyn
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Final answer:

Raccoons can fit through gaps as small as 4 inches in diameter due to their flexible skeletons and ability to compress their bodies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question about how small of a gap a raccoon can fit through pertains to the biology and behavior of raccoons, which are known for their ability to squeeze through tight spaces. Raccoons are quite flexible and can fit through gaps as small as 4 inches in diameter.

This is partly because they have a very nimble skeleton and can compress their bodies to navigate through narrow openings. This ability makes raccoons skilled at accessing food sources in difficult-to-reach places and is one reason why they are often perceived as pests in urban and suburban environments.