Raccoons are known for their distinctive masked faces and clever antics. These adaptable mammals, found across various North American habitats, undergo significant changes from birth to adulthood. Understanding their growth stages provides insight into their life cycle.
Size at Birth and Early Development
Raccoon kits are small at birth. They typically weigh between 85 to 142 grams (3 to 5 ounces) and measure around 4 to 6 inches in length, excluding their tail. These newborns are born blind and deaf. Their fur is sparse and very lightly furred, and they lack the prominent facial mask and tail rings of adult raccoons.
For their first two to three weeks, kits are entirely dependent on their mother. They spend most of their time nursing and sleeping within their den. Their limbs are not strong enough for coordinated movement, and they can only crawl during this initial period.
Growth Through Juvenile Stages
Around 18 to 24 days old, kits’ eyes begin to open, followed by their ears. By three weeks, they develop their senses of sight and hearing, becoming more active and vocal.
Between four to six weeks, they develop their black facial mask and ringed tail as their fur becomes denser. At this stage, they start to crawl and climb, and their coordination rapidly improves. By six to eight weeks, kits are much more mobile, capable of walking, running, and climbing, and they may start exploring just outside the den. They also begin to develop their deciduous (baby) teeth.
Around eight to nine weeks, young raccoons start consuming solid foods, though they are not fully weaned until about 10 to 12 weeks. By this time, they weigh approximately 1.5 pounds. They begin to travel with their mother during her nightly foraging trips, learning essential survival skills. Juvenile raccoons typically remain with their mother through their first winter, dispersing the following spring.
Reaching Adulthood
Raccoons continue to grow after their juvenile stage, reaching their full adult size and weight around one year of age. Their size can vary considerably depending on diet, gender, and geographical location. Male raccoons are generally 10-30% larger and heavier than females.
Adult raccoons typically measure between 23 and 37 inches in body length, including their tail, which can add another 7.5 to 16 inches. Their weight usually ranges from 14 to 23 pounds, though some can reach up to 35 pounds in the wild. By adulthood, raccoons have a stocky build, fully developed fur, and the distinct black mask and ringed tail.