When encountering young raccoons, commonly referred to as kits, understanding their natural behaviors is important to avoid unnecessary intervention. This article clarifies common misunderstandings about raccoon maternal care and guides you on how to respond if you find kits.
How Raccoon Mothers Care for Their Young
Raccoon mothers are highly dedicated caregivers, raising their young without assistance from males. Kits are typically born in early spring, usually between March and April. A litter generally consists of two to five kits, but can sometimes be as many as seven.
Newborn raccoons are born blind and deaf, remaining in their den for the first two to three months of life. Their eyes will open around three to four weeks of age. By mid-summer, when they are approximately eight to twelve weeks old, kits begin to venture out and forage for food under their mother’s close supervision.
Young raccoons depend on their mother for an extended period, often staying with her through their first winter. They typically do not achieve full independence until they are around ten to twelve months old, dispersing the following spring. During this time, the mother teaches them essential survival skills, including how to find food and navigate their environment.
Reasons a Mother Raccoon Appears Absent
It is common for a mother raccoon to appear absent from her kits. Mothers frequently leave their young alone for several hours, or even up to a full day, to forage. Since raccoons are primarily nocturnal, these foraging trips typically occur at night.
Another common reason for temporary absence is den relocation. Mother raccoons often move their kits one by one to a new den site if their current location is disturbed or threatened. She will not return to her young if she perceives a human presence nearby, waiting until the area is clear.
While temporary absences are normal, certain signs may indicate genuine distress or abandonment. These include continuous crying from the kits for over 24 hours, or if they appear visibly injured, cold, dehydrated, or ill. The presence of insects like flies or ants on the kits, or if they approach humans without fear, can also signal a problem. If the mother has been removed, relocated, or is known to be deceased, intervention may be necessary.
What to Do When You Find Raccoon Kits
If you discover raccoon kits that appear to be alone, observe them from a distance. Allow at least 8 to 12 hours, and ideally 24 hours, for the mother to return, especially during the nighttime hours when raccoons are most active. Unnecessary intervention can do more harm than good, as the mother is often nearby and will return when she feels safe.
If the kits seem healthy and are not in immediate danger, create a temporary safe space for them. Place them gently into a box lined with soft material, and include a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Position this box in a sheltered location near where the kits were found, ensuring the mother can easily access them. Keep pets and people away from the area to avoid deterring the mother’s return.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to feed the kits or offer them water. Raccoons require a specialized diet, and incorrect feeding can cause serious health issues or even be fatal. Furthermore, hunger can prompt the kits to vocalize, which helps attract their mother.
If, after a full observation period, the kits show signs of injury, illness, or true abandonment, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance. Handling wild animals without proper training carries risks, including exposure to diseases like rabies and roundworm, so always wear gloves if direct contact is necessary.