Are Raccoons Related to Bears?

Raccoons are furry animals with a distinctive black mask and ringed tail. They are often seen as pests or scavengers, but they are also intelligent and adaptable creatures. But what kind of animals are they exactly? Are raccoons related to bears?

The answer is yes, but not very closely. Raccoons and bears belong to the same order of mammals, called Carnivora, which includes carnivorous and omnivorous animals such as dogs, cats, weasels, seals, and walruses. However, within this order, there are different families that have diverged over millions of years of evolution. Read the full article here: Are Raccoons Related to Bears?