Proud Raccoon Artists Are Posing Next To Their Paintings And They Look So Happy

When thinking of raccoons, we picture feisty creatures scavenging through the trash, making themselves a leftover dinner party that all the yard is invited to. But the Tito raccoon family is proving us wrong.

Meet Piper, Cheeto, and Tito, three rescue raccoons who launched a very successful career in art. In fact, their colorful abstract hand paintings are not for art lovers on a tight budget. Ranging from a $75 piece titled “Tiny Masterpiece” by Cheeto to a whopping $150 for a “Custom Masterpiece” executed by Piper with colors selected by you, these are the masterpieces taking social media by storm.

Both hilarious and amusing, these are the paintings from the Jackson Pollocks of the raccoon world and you may wanna be quick to snatch one 'cause they’re selling out fast. Like, before they even hit the market.

More info: Twitter | Instagram | TitoTheRaccoon.com

Bored Panda reached out to animal behaviorist Suzanne MacDonald at York University, Toronto in order to find out more about raccoons and whether these animals can truly be drawn to art. Prof. MacDonald explained that “You can train any animal to paint, really. All you need is patience and a steady supply of food rewards.”

When it comes to raccoons, the professor said that they are easy because “they can grasp things with their hands.” However, she assured us that there’s absolutely no evidence that raccoons appreciate art, “but then again, it is impossible to ask them… so who knows?”

The animal behaviorist also said that there are many misconceptions about the raccoons. “In urban settings, they’re seen as scavengers, but they are actually members of the Carnivore order, which also includes cats, dogs, and bears.”

That means they are able to eat almost anything, like humans, which are also omnivores. “Raccoons can exploit a lot of different food resources, which, in cities, includes trash.” Moreover, they have “very sensitive little paws that provide grasp,” which allows them to eat a wide range of foods.