Gizmodo Ponders: Raccoons as Next Pet Trend? Devs, Imagine a Furry Hacker Sidekick Who Won't N+1 Your Snacks

Researchers are exploring the possibility of domesticating wild animals as the next great pet, with raccoons being a potential candidate. The idea of domesticating raccoons is not new, as they have been kept as pets in some parts of the world for centuries. However, their intelligence, dexterity, and adaptability make them an attractive option for domestication. According to experts, raccoons could become popular pets due to their ability to form strong bonds with humans and their relatively small size. The domestication process would require careful consideration of the animal's welfare, as well as potential risks to human health and the environment. As the pet industry continues to grow, with an estimated global value of over $180 billion, the possibility of domesticating new species is becoming increasingly significant. While there is no specific timeline for domesticating raccoons, researchers are studying their behavior and biology to determine the feasibility of such a project.