We all know how particular our elders are when it comes to food. Preparing a meal is so important since we need to make sure the food does not harm the body in any way. But what do animals do? Are they as particular about having clean food as humans are?

Scientific research has shown that the racoon is one of the few animals that washes its food before eating. Some researchers have even seen that if the raccoon does not find any water to wash their food, they refuse to eat it. Quite amazing, isn't it! Of course, not all raccoon follow this rule - some do eat the food without washing it. But no one can really explain this action.

What seems to us as 'cleaning' is not really what the raccoon does. They even use muddy water at times and sometimes also eat food that is already in water (lakes, ponds etc.) so instead of cleaning, the water probably just makes the food more tasty.  

The raccoon are furry mammals and are usually found in the stretch from southern California to Panama, not in the rocky areas. They are gray in color, with tinges of yellow or brown. The bushy, tinged tail, the pointed snouts (noses) and sharp claws are characteristic of all racoons. They are found in regions close to trees and water. Raccoons mainly hunt in the night for crayfish, clams, fish and frogs. They are also fond of nuts, berries, fruits and young corn.

An illustration of a raccoon washing its food before eating