Among the distinctive noises heard in attics, chimneys, or under decks are the vocalizations of baby raccoons, known as kits. These sounds are significantly different from the growls and hisses of adult raccoons, often leading listeners to mistake them for birds, cats, or even human infants. Understanding these auditory signals helps determine whether a hidden family of raccoons is communicating or if a young animal is in need of assistance.
The Primary Vocalizations of Raccoon Kits
Raccoon kits possess a wide range of high-pitched vocalizations that serve as their primary means of communication during their first few months of life. Their small size and developing lungs result in sounds that are generally softer and higher in frequency than those made by their parents. One of the most frequently heard sounds is a rhythmic, constant chittering or churring, which can sometimes resemble the contented purring of a domestic cat. This sound is often a sign of comfort and is commonly heard when the kits are gathered in a den or while nursing.
Kits also produce a distinct chirping or whimpering noise, a soft, repetitive call used to solicit attention or food from the mother. When the mother leaves the den to forage, the babies may begin a chorus of these calls until she returns. The most alarming sound is a piercing squeal or shriek, a loud, continuous cry that travels a surprising distance. This noise signals fear, pain, or distress from being separated from the mother for a prolonged period, and it is the sound most likely to draw human attention.
Context and Meaning of Kit Sounds
The meaning behind a kit’s vocalization is directly tied to its immediate situation. Contented sounds, like soft chittering and churring, signify that the young are warm, fed, and in close contact with their siblings or their mother. These noises are part of the bonding process within the den. A subtle, rhythmic whine or mewing that begins when the mother leaves is a clear signal that the kits are hungry and are calling to guide her back to them.
A sudden shift to a continuous, loud whiny cry or screaming indicates a serious issue, such as a kit falling out of the den or becoming trapped. If this distress call persists for several hours, it suggests the kit is alone, cold, or potentially injured. A mother raccoon is highly responsive to these urgent calls and will typically return to retrieve a lost baby. If she is unable to reach the kit, the continuous crying will escalate.
What to Do If You Hear Distress Calls
When a continuous distress call is heard, the safest initial action is to observe the situation without immediate intervention. Mother raccoons often leave their kits unattended while searching for food, and the young will cry for her return. If the kit is not in imminent danger, it is advisable to wait until after dark for the mother to return, as she will retrieve her young if given the opportunity. Unnecessarily removing a healthy kit can inadvertently orphan it, since the mother will not be able to find it again.
If a kit is found outside the den and is continuously crying for more than an hour, is visibly injured, or is cold to the touch, it requires temporary care. Placing the kit in a small box with a heat source, such as a sock filled with warm, uncooked rice, is helpful because young kits cannot regulate their body temperature. The box should be placed as close as possible to the spot where the kit was found, allowing the mother to retrieve it when she feels safe. If the mother has not collected the baby after one overnight period, or if the kit is clearly injured, contact a licensed local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance.