The common raccoon (Procyon lotor), a familiar North American omnivore, does not reproduce by laying eggs but gives birth to live young. Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures, often recognizable by their distinctive black facial mask and ringed tail. They are found across a wide range of habitats, from woodlands to urban environments.
Raccoons are Classified as Mammals
Raccoons belong to the Class Mammalia, a biological grouping defined by a specific set of physical characteristics that preclude egg-laying. A defining trait of mammals is viviparity, meaning they give birth to offspring that have developed inside the mother’s body. The common raccoon develops its young internally, where the embryo receives nourishment and protection before birth.
Mammals also possess mammary glands, specialized organs that produce milk to feed the young. Furthermore, mammals are endothermic, regulating their own body temperature internally, and possess hair or fur at some point in their lives. The raccoon’s dense coat firmly places it within the mammalian group.
The Raccoon Reproductive Cycle
The mating season for raccoons typically occurs in late winter and early spring, generally from February through March, extending into June depending on the latitude. After mating, the male does not participate in raising the young. The female, known as a sow, experiences a gestation period of approximately 63 days before giving birth.
The mother selects a secure den location, such as a hollow log, a tree cavity, an abandoned burrow, or an attic or chimney in urban areas. Most litters are born in April or May, though a second litter may occur if the first does not survive. The average litter size is typically between two and five kits, though litters can range from one to seven. The mother remains in the den with her newborn kits for the first couple of months.
Development and Care of Raccoon Kits
Newborn raccoons, called kits, are born blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mother. At birth, they weigh only a few ounces and have some hair, but they cannot effectively regulate their body temperature. The mother nurses the kits, providing them with necessary nutrients and antibodies through milk.
The kits’ eyes typically open around 18 to 24 days after birth, with their ears functioning shortly after. Weaning begins around 70 days of age as they start exploring solid foods. Around two months old, the kits venture out of the den with their mother to learn foraging and climbing skills. They remain with her, learning survival skills and often denning through their first winter, before becoming independent the following spring, typically between 8 and 12 months of age.