“Now will you feed me?”

During its regular daily doomscroll duties today, LoCO was excited to learn that raccoons are evolving in an attempt to be more suitable friends for us humans. Finally, some good news!

According to a study — we love studies! — raccoons are inching their way toward domestication. What does that mean? Well, experts note that there is evidence that urban raccoons have shorter snouts than their rural cousins, one of the same physical quirks seen in early domesticated animals. It’s almost like raccoons want to enjoy the same comforts that pampered-ass cats and dogs have procured. And really, who can blame them?

Small problem with this courtship, though. California is one of 34 states where it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets (though, this being Humboldt, we’ve known a few rebellious raccoon lovers). So, since raccoons are coming on to us so hard, should California make it legal to keep them as pets? Vote below!