Pygmy Raccoons on Cozumel Invent and Teach Toy-Making, a First for Their Family

On Mexico's Cozumel Island, critically endangered pygmy raccoons (fewer than 200 mature individuals) have been observed crafting toys from trash, a behavior documented as the first evidence of material culture in the Procyonidae family. In January, a young female raccoon plucked a receipt from a waste bin, dunked it in water, rolled it into a ball, and played with it. Researchers from Miami University, including biologist Nessie O'Neil and anthrozoologist Michelle Szydlowski, filmed the behavior during a study on tourism's impact. Over 64 hours of observation, the raccoon's sister learned the technique, while their mother attempted but abandoned it, possibly due to consuming margarita. The siblings played soccer with the balls and even with juvenile Cozumel dwarf coatis. The study, published on 25 August in the journal Wild, highlights the rarity of object fabrication for play in animals. Tragically, the pioneer raccoon fell ill and died, likely from malnutrition and toxic pollution from a new beach resort. Her sister later made a ball from a hamburger wrapper, ensuring the tradition survived. Researchers hope to observe if the behavior spreads to other individuals or locations. Experts like psychologist Michael Kisley and animal behavior researcher Marek Špinka note the significance for understanding animal play and conservation.