The common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a highly adaptable mammal frequently encountered in urban and suburban environments. Understanding the developmental timeline of young raccoons, known as kits, is important for residents to coexist with this species. Knowing when kits transition from den-dwelling to independence can inform decisions, especially when a kit is observed alone.
Early Development Inside the Den
Raccoon breeding typically occurs in late winter. Following a gestation period of approximately 63 days, the female gives birth to an average litter of three to five kits in early spring. Kits are born blind, deaf, and nearly helpless. The mother, a solitary parent, cares for them within a secure den, often in a hollow tree or an attic.
The kits’ development accelerates quickly. Their eyes and ear canals open around three to four weeks of age. By four to six weeks, they transition from a weak crawl to a more active walk within the den. This early stage is spent exclusively nursing and growing, completely reliant on the mother for warmth and sustenance.
The Initial Exit and First Forays
Kits typically begin their initial excursions outside the den entrance when they are around eight to nine weeks old. This is the start of a gradual process. At this age, they are mobile enough to follow their mother on short, supervised trips but remain dependent on her.
These first forays are conducted under the cover of darkness, following the mother’s nocturnal rhythm. The primary purpose is to begin weaning and introduce the young to solid food and foraging behaviors. The family unit returns to the den before dawn. By 10 to 12 weeks old, the kits are fully weaned, ending their reliance on milk but not their dependency on the mother’s guidance.
Achieving Full Independence
The young raccoons remain with their mother for many months after they begin foraging in mid-summer, often staying together until the following spring. This family unit provides an advantage for survival, as the mother imparts skills in hunting, finding water, and identifying food sources and threats.
The mother may move the family to several dens throughout the season as the kits grow. True dispersal, when the young raccoons leave the maternal territory permanently, usually occurs when they are 10 to 12 months old. This separation coincides with the next breeding season, compelling the subadult raccoons to establish their own territories.
When and How to Handle Found Young Raccoons
Finding a seemingly abandoned young raccoon does not automatically mean the animal is orphaned; the mother may be temporarily away foraging or moving the litter. If a healthy kit is observed alone during the day, place it in a secure, ventilated box with a heat source, such as a sock filled with warm rice. Leave the box near where the kit was found until nightfall, as the mother will likely return to retrieve it.
Intervention is warranted if the kit is visibly injured, cold to the touch, or crying continuously, which are signs of distress. Contact a licensed local wildlife rehabilitator immediately for guidance. Handling raccoons should be done with caution, as they are a rabies vector species, and it is illegal to keep them as pets without proper licensing.