http://www.theatlanticcities.com/arts-and-lifestyle/2013/07/how-squirrels-pigeons-and-rats-are-all-smarter-you/6034/



PS
Check out the clip of the dog and bird playing ball .....

We need to re-assess our idea of "intelligence" without so much latent assumption of our superiority.

Interesting article!
We have to realize that these animals have a highly tuned survival mode that's been refined genetically over thousands of years. I suspect that our early ancestors would beat us out in many routines such as these since our "survival" skills have been dumbed down through our own lack of need for certain specific skills today.
It boils down to the old genetics vs environment. It may be weeks or it may be generations but time not used can eliminate many skills, be they learned or genetic.

Our "dominion over" or "superiority" lies not in having certain specific skill sets that are sharper than those of other creatures, but in possessing in some significant amount, elements of ALL the skill sets highlighted in the article.

I have issues with the article; not so much with the individual studies and observations detailed within but with the overall context that, because certain creatures selectively evolved individual traits for the purpose of basic survival, any of these individuals would be deemed more intelligent than humans (or even of each other). Collective possession of a great many of these skill sets is what determines intelligence and separates horses, pigs, dolphins, and dogs from say, cows or sheep, goldfish.

Duane- I agree with you.

As far as urban city living creating a "super race" of raccoons that are adapted to urban life- that is unlikely. So far, it hasn't helped opossums micro-evolve into looking both ways before crossing the street. "Evolution" is an over-used term and often mis-used. With animals like raccoons who reproduce frequently and have large litters, even "micro" evolution is probably not happening. "Cultural" learning on the other hand, may be happening with raccoons and is pretty fascinating.

I'll tell you one thing I know for sure. "Urban" moose around here are definitely NOT smarter than their wild counterparts. In fact, I'd say just the opposite. Similar to thresholds in dogs, a lower threshold that is required for city-habituated animals, does not smart make. Sure, some urban dwelling wildlife may obtain certain interesting skill sets that fascinate us, like opening bear-proof trash cans, but that doesn't make them smarter and certainly doesn't mean they are evolving into a super-race of bears. In fact, city life for bears is very dangerous for many reasons, and a trash can raiding bear (or raccoon for that matter) may not be long for this world.