International Raccoon Appreciation Day is observed worldwide every October 1. This holiday was initiated in 2002 by a young girl from California to celebrate the cute and intelligent raccoon, a species often misunderstood. The day aims to educate the public about raccoons, emphasizing their role in local ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. Typical customs include learning about raccoons through books or documentaries, viewing raccoon exhibits at local zoos, and sharing information on social media using hashtags like #InternationalRaccoonAppreciationDay. Raccoons, which belong to the genus Procyon, are known for their distinctive facial masks and dexterous paws, and they are often viewed as pests in urban areas despite their intelligence and ecological significance.