Raccoons are escape artists, and will watch to learn how to open their cage. I once had a raccoon that was so smart and determined, that I had to change the types of latches on the cage several times. Finally, I put a padlock on the cage and put the keys in a drawer underneath. When I came back an hour later, that raccoon had the drawer open, and the keys out. He knew that the keys had something to do with his freedom, but could not quite figure out how to fit it in the lock.
All raccoons go through 'the change', some more extremely than others.
My current raccoons, Ricky and Rocky are the most even-tempered raccoons that I have owned. However, since I raised them, I am the only one that can handle them outside of the cage. I still have to keep my guard up and watch for mood swings.