THE SENSES AND INSTINCTS OF THE RACCOON 303 



one-half the size of a grain of corn, was often heard by each of 

 the animals. They turned directly toward the source of the 

 sound. Hence they not only hear faint sounds but localize 

 them well. Localization was further tested by putting raccoon 

 No. 3 in a large box with a solid back. The experimenter then 

 scratched on the outside of the back of the box with a small 

 stick. The raccoon turned directly to the spot. The place was 

 changed some two feet. He turned instantly to the new place 

 and grasped with both forepaws at the exact spot. He did 

 this repeatedly. His behavior suggests that localization of 

 sound is much more definite than that of the human ear. His 

 grasping at the spot might indicate that the raccoon catches 

 some small prey partly by the aid of hearing. 



If a raccoon which is working for meat hears another munch- 

 ing loaf-sugar he will at once stop work and approach the other 

 in search of sugar. In this case the animals seem to have a 

 definite sound-taste association. 



On the principle that animals which make sounds hear sounds 

 we may, in connection with hearing, mention the sounds which 

 the raccoon is capable of making. A warning growl always 

 accompanied eating when they were fed. When hungry they 

 sometimes emit a sound about midway between a whine and a 

 purr, "a whimpering cry." This sound is well known to wood- 

 men and is far more characteristic of the young than of the 

 adult animal. It has been described as varying from the quav- 

 ering note of a "screech owl" to a sound like a colt's whinny, 

 though I can detect no resemblance to the latter sound. It 

 does vary from a sort of contented purr in the young to a rougher, 

 higher pitched, whining sound when the animals are very hungry 

 or when, in the case of my raccoons, they were trying hard to 

 overtake the experimenter who was walking too rapidly for 

 them to keep up with him. When forcibly held their whining 

 and growling is somewhat similar to that of a dog. In fighting 

 the animal gives short, sharp barks as he snaps. 



Turning once more to the whining-purr, there is less and less 

 of it (in captivity) as the animals grow older and only long 

 waiting for food produces it. In the forest it may be used as 

 a call to others. A very young raccoon, making this cry from 

 loneliness or in search of its mother, will cease to make it if 

 gently stroked or scratched. 



