Have you ever wondered what animal could give you a run for your money in a problem-solving game? Check out 14 of the smartest animals in the world.

14. Raccoon

Researchers have found that raccoons have as many neurons as a dog’s brain. They are also known for their cleverness and problem-solving abilities.

13. Grey Parrot

Parrots are known for being able to recite words, but the African grey parrot has shown it actually understands the words that it uses. They can also process visual information such as shapes and colors.

12. Goat

Goats are great at solving puzzles. In one study a group of goats was given a challenging exercise, then asked to do the same exercise 10 months later. They solved it even quicker the second time around, demonstrating impressive long-term memory abilities.

11. Sea Lions

These semi-aquatic mammals have large brains relative to their size and they are the only other animal besides humans that have demonstrated the ability to use basic logic.

10. Rats

These rodents may not be on the list of peoples' favorite animals, but they are very clever and have demonstrated keen intelligence, which is why they are used for so many scientific studies.

9. Octopus

So often ignored, the octopus is a master escape artist and demonstrates incredible problem solving abilities. They are able to navigate through mazes and have been known to assemble shelters from coconut shells.

8. Pigeon

Some folks may see this animal as a flying rat, but they’re actually quite smart. Pigeons can remember hundreds of images, even after several years have passed, and have been known to distinguish between two objects. So maybe the next time you use the insult “bird brain” you’ll think twice.

7. Squirrel

These woodland creatures are more than their impressive ability to steal birdseed. Squirrels routinely bury and recover nuts they bury and they've also have been known to fake out potential thieves. They will pretend to stash them by digging a hole and patting it over with dirt, all the while keeping their precious nuts hidden away in their armpits or cheeks.

6. Pigs

Although they're often considered unsanitary, pigs are highly intelligent creatures that have been known to understand emotions, demonstrate empathy and complete mazes. In one study, pigs as young as six weeks old were able to grasp the concept of reflection to find a path to a hidden bowl of dog food — a skill that human babies don’t learn for several months.

5. Crow

Crows have been known to recognize faces as well as understand rudimentary physics. Most shocking, crows have been observed understanding the concept of traffic lights and only go into the street for nuts once cars have passed.

4. Elephant

Most notably, elephants are extremely caring and empathetic to members of their herd, as well as other species, leading researchers to consider them highly intelligent. Elephants will care for their injured friends and will even grieve and hold funerals for elephants that have died. They also have excellent memories and are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors.

3. Orangutan

While scientists consider most members of the primate family to be highly intelligent, orangutans have demonstrated their ability to understand the concept of the future and make plans for it, such as piling up stones to use hours later as ammunition. They plan out their travel routes in advance and will even communicate itineraries to other orangutans in the group.

2. Dolphin

Dolphins themselves have an incredibly sophisticated language and are very easy to train. What’s even more interesting is dolphins have been known to cheat during games. Famously, a dolphin named Kelly was trained to pick up litter in her tack in exchange for fish, but Kelly found an ingenious way to game the system by tearing her debris into multiple sheets to maximize her rewards.

1. Chimpanzee

This should come as no surprise as humans and chimpanzees share 99% of their DNA and have long impressed scientists. Chimps make and use tools, use facial expressions to communicate and are also able to learn sign language.