Raccoons are a familiar sight in many neighborhoods, known for their distinctive masked faces and adaptable nature. Understanding their reproductive habits is helpful for coexisting with these common wild animals.
The Birthing Season
Raccoons begin their breeding season in late winter and early spring. Mating activity starts as early as January and extends through June, peaking in March and April. Most births occur from March to May, though regional variations exist; warmer climates may see earlier births, while colder areas could have young as late as June. If a mother’s first litter does not survive, she may have a second later in the season.
Gestation and Early Development
After mating, a female raccoon undergoes a gestation period of 63 to 65 days, or about two months. This leads to the birth of kits, the term for baby raccoons. A typical litter size ranges from three to five kits, though it can vary from one to seven.
Newborn kits are born blind and deaf, completely dependent on their mother. They weigh only a few ounces at birth and are covered in fine fur; their dark mask develops around four to five weeks. The mother selects a secure, secluded den site, such as hollow trees, burrows, or human structures like attics and chimneys, to protect her young.
Raising the Kits
The mother raccoon is solely responsible for raising her kits, providing them with milk, protection, and teaching them necessary survival skills. Their eyes typically open around three weeks of age, and their hearing develops shortly thereafter. By six to eight weeks old, the kits become more active and may begin venturing outside the den with their mother.
Weaning generally starts around two to four months of age, as the kits begin to nibble on solid foods their mother brings back to the den. Young raccoons will continue to stay with their mother and siblings, learning to forage and navigate their environment. They often remain with her until late fall or even through their first winter, gradually achieving independence by the following spring.
What to Do if You Spot Young Raccoons
If you encounter young raccoons, it is generally best not to approach or handle them. They are wild animals, and their mother is often nearby, even if not immediately visible, as she may be out foraging for food. Observing from a distance is recommended, giving the mother a chance to return and retrieve her young.
Intervention might be necessary if the kits show clear signs of distress, such as being visibly injured, cold to the touch, or crying persistently for many hours. Other indicators include being covered in insects like fly eggs or appearing weak and wobbly. If a baby raccoon appears orphaned or in need of immediate assistance, it is important to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal control instead of attempting rescue yourself. These professionals can assess the situation and provide appropriate care, ensuring the safety of both the animals and humans involved.