13 Mischievous Animals (Pictures & Facts)

Mischievous creatures are not a rare thing in the animal kingdom. In fact, most animals have, at some point in their lives, experienced a bout of naughtiness. There are, however, certain species that are a bit more ornery than most. Let’s take a look at 13 mischievous animals and learn why they ended up on our list.

13 Mischievous Animals

You can find mischievous animals in the air, on land, and even in the sea. Mischievous animals range in size and species, and you may even have a few in your home as we speak. Keep reading to learn more about the most mischievous animals.

1. Chimpanzees

Scientific Name: Pan troglodytes

Humans and chimps share about 99 percent of the same genomes, so it’s only natural that they would be intelligent creatures. They are also extremely mischievous and capable of using tools and solving problems. Studies have also found that chimps have a better memory than humans.

2. Raccoons

Scientific Name: Procyon lotor

Raccoons naturally look mischievous, thanks to their facial markings that make them look like masked bandits. They are also well-known for their ability to maneuver through obstacles that humans put in place, and can even pick locks. Studies have found that, even after 3 years, raccoons were able to remember the solution to a problem.

3. Octopus

Scientific Name: Octopoda

Octopuses are not only mischievous, but they can squeeze themselves in and out of small and tight places. It is not uncommon for these tricky creatures to maneuver their way out of their aquarium enclosures and go back to their natural habitat.

4. Crows

Scientific Name: Corvus

In recent years, the sheer intelligence of crows has come to light. These stunning birds can recognize human faces and solve complex problems.

Crows learn from experience and will avoid paths deemed dangerous where they have seen other crows killed. They are also well-known for bringing “gifts” to people who regularly feed them.

5. Pigs

Scientific Name: Sus scrofa domesticus

Despite their bad rap, pigs are actually some of the neatest animals and can even understand human emotions. Their intelligence allows them to solve complex games and mazes.

Pigs don’t sweat, which means they have to find another way to help regulate their body temperature. This is where mud comes in handy. In order to stay cool, pigs will cover themselves in mud, which is why people assume that pigs are dirty creatures.

6. Elephants

Scientific Name: Elephantidae

Elephants are large animals with a high level of intelligence. They are also known to use their trunks to create mischief. Elephants will suck up water into their trunks and then squirt it at people and other animals.

It is also not uncommon for these large mammals to bring down electric poles and electric fences. Elephants also have amazing memories, and the herd is often led by an older female, known as the matriarch.

7. Dolphins

Scientific Name: Delphinidae

Dolphins are often thought of as the dogs of the sea, and there have been a slew of stories where dolphins have helped to safely guide humans that have been stranded at sea back to land. These majestic mammals show emotions and are effective mimickers. They also tend to injured or sick members of their family, and studies have shown that dolphins call each other by name.

8. Cats

Scientific Name: Felis catus

Cats are curious and intelligent creatures that are known for their mischievous nature. These cute felines have no qualms about keeping their owners up at night with their crazy shenigans.

They will also turn just about anything into a cat toy. An interesting fact about these felines is that domestic cats are genetically closer to lions than dogs are to wolves.

9. Ravens

Scientific Name: Corvus corax

Ravens are often associated with Gothic and ominous situations, but these beautiful birds are actually playful and bit mischievous. In fact, these pranksters are known for pulling the tails of other animals, such as wolves, and then quickly flying away. An interesting fact about these birds is that they are rather skillful at imitating human speech.

10. Dogs

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

Known as man’s best friend, dogs are another popular animal that is both intelligent and mischievous. Their mischievousness, however, is often caused by their high energy levels and their desire to be around their people at all times.

An interesting fact about your four-legged friend is that a dog’s noise print is equivalent to a human fingerprint. Each dog’s nose has a unique pattern of creases and ridges.

This pattern doesn’t change even as the dog ages. A company in South Korea created a tool that can recognize a dog based on its nose print.

11. Seagulls

Scientific Name: Larinae

You may not have expected to see seagulls on this list, but these feathered creatures can be extremely mischievous. Not only can they steal food right out of your hands, they have also been recorded walking right out of stores with various items, including bags of chips.

There are, on average, 20 species of seagulls found all over the world. They are monogamous animals that mate for life, except for extreme circumstances. They are considered to be one of the most intelligent bird species, allow with crows and ravens.

12. Coyotes

Scientific Name: Canis latrans

Coyotes are cleaver tricksters that have a mischievous and cunning nature. They can be a menace in chicken coops, and are feared for their viciousness.

These canines can run up to 40 miles per hour and will sometimes hunt in groups. Coyotes also have a keen sense of hearing and smell, which only increases their hunting abilities.

13. Bears

Scientific Name: Ursidae

It’s no surprise that bears would be on our list, especially when you consider the trouble they can get themselves into. Think Yoga Bear and all the mischief that he caused.

Campgrounds are a good example of just how much trouble these creatures can cause, especially for food-motivated bears. In many cases, bears will destroy tents, garbage cans, and even vehicles trying to gain access to food.