Who WAS That Masked Critter? Trivia Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Raccoons are the subject of many fascinating Native American stories and legends. According to folklore, which of these is NOT an explanation of how Raccoon got his markings?

Answer: Raccoon fell off his horse and received black eyes

There are many stories about the raccoon's distinctive mask and tail rings, and most of them are related to his mischievous ways. One legend tells of his love of tricks and how he played a joke on two blind men, receiving the mask as punishment.

Another relates the story of four silver rings he stole from Raven. He placed the rings around his tail to carry them home and his fur was tarnished, marking him forever.

Children have been told the fable of a cold winter and several animals who flew to the sun to bring back warmth. Owl rubbed his eyes to block out the bright light and smoke, leaving them very large. Opossum's tail was singed, making it hairless. Raccoon didn't lose his fur, but he did receive several dark patches for his trouble.

2. What classic American TV character was a faithful member of the Loyal Order of the Raccoon Lodge?

Answer: Ralph Kramden of "The Honeymooners"

Jackie Gleason played the role of Ralph Kramden in this 1950s sitcom. He and his sidekick Ed Norton (portrayed by the unforgettable Art Carney) were very active in the lodge, whose slogan was "E Pluribus Raccoon".

Ed was once nominated for the prestigious "Raccoon of the Year" award.

3. "The Raccoons" was an animated children's TV series produced from 1985 to 1991. In what country did the show originate?

Answer: Canada

The show centered on three raccoons and their friends, all inhabitants of the peaceful Evergreen Forest. Many of the story lines involved conflict with evil characters who were trying to destroy the forest for personal gain. Valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and conservation were taught by Melissa, Bert, Ralph and their gentle neighbors.

Several TV specials preceded the series, including a Christmas story that included singer Rita Coolidge providing the voice of Melissa.

4. What is the name of the 1963 novel by Sterling North that tells the story of a young boy and his pet raccoon?

Answer: Rascal

Sterling North's memoir of his childhood was also the subject of a 1969 Disney movie starring Bill Mumy. The story is based on North's personal experiences as a young boy growing up in Wisconsin with his widowed father and best friend, the adorable and sometimes mischievous Rascal. Subtitled "A Memoir of a Better Era", the book also touches on North's sense of loss following his mother's death and the trials of growing up during World War I.

"Rascal" was the recipient of several literary awards, including a Newbery Honor and the 1966 Young Readers Choice award.

5. The 1995 Disney film "Pocahontas" included a somewhat greedy yet lovable raccoon companion known by what name?

Answer: Meeko

Meeko and Flit, a hummingbird, were Pocahontas' beloved friends. The film received two Academy Awards, both for musical accomplishment. John Kassir was the voice of Meeko.

6. A long running children's magazine published by the National Wildlife Federation shares its title with a central character whose mission is to educate kids about conservation and wildlife. What is the title of this publication and its hat-wearing hero?

Answer: Ranger Rick

Ranger Rick the raccoon and his friends Scarlett and Boomer were introduced in 1967 to help children gain interest in environmental issues. The magazine includes games and activities intended to encourage readers to spend time outdoors and to learn about nature in general.

The magazine's printed using recycled and environmentally friendly materials, and has been published ten times per year.

7. What British rock band released "Rocky Raccoon" on its 1968 self-titled album?

Answer: The Beatles

Included on "The Beatles" (also called the "White Album"), "Rocky Raccoon" was written by Lennon and McCartney. It told the story of a love triangle and gunfight between the ill-fated Rocky and his arch-rival.

8. Br'er Coon and his pals Br'er Fox and Br'er Rabbit were characters in a collection of stories written in the 1800s by Georgia native Joel Chandler Harris. By what name are these folk tales more commonly known?

Answer: "Uncle Remus" stories

Joel Chandler Harris wrote the "Uncle Remus" stories based on folklore he'd heard as a child. Like Aesop's "Fables" and Kipling's "Just So" stories, the tales often served to teach life lessons in an entertaining way. Harris' books were the inspiration for the 1946 Disney film "Song of the South".

9. Which US President, known for his love of animals, had a pet raccoon named Rebecca while living in the White House?

Answer: Calvin Coolidge

The Coolidges kept numerous pets, including two lion cubs, a wallaby and several birds. Rebecca was a particular favorite and was given free run of the White House, eating her meals on the floor of the First Lady's bathroom. A picture of Grace Coolidge holding Rebecca in her arms is included in a Library of Congress photo collection. Calvin Coolidge was president from 1923 to 1929.

10. RJ, Hammy and Verne were starring characters in what 2006 DreamWorks Animation film?

Answer: Over the Hedge

Bruce Willis was the voice of RJ, a devious and selfish raccoon who found friendship and learned a great deal about love and family loyalty from Hammy the Squirrel and Verne the Turtle. A video game based on the movie was released the same year.

Source: Author Coonielady

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Pagiedamon before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Raccoons are very interesting little creatures who have enjoyed the spotlight in many forms over the years. Test your knowledge on a few well-known masked bandits, both real and fictional.

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