Raccoons are mammals native to North America. They are easily identifiable by their bushy and striped tails. It is common to find raccoons rifling through dumpsters at nighttime, as they are nocturnal scavengers that will snack on almost anything they can find.
Unfortunately, raccoons in the wild have short lifespans. The average raccoon lives about 2 to 3 years in the wild. However, raccoons in captivity can live up to 21 years because they are not susceptible to the same dangers.
Raccoons can start having offspring as early as 10 months old. They usually have babies during the months of April and May. If you notice raccoon kits in your yard or home, you should call a wildlife removal expert to safely trap and relocate the entire raccoon family.
Because raccoons are wild animals that can carry diseases, you should never attempt to trap and relocate them on your own. If there are baby raccoons present, the mother will quickly become defensive, which could cause you to get hurt. Thankfully, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help you with any raccoon problem you are facing.
What is the Raccoon Lifespan?
Raccoons live in both rural and urban areas. They tend to lurk in cities and neighborhoods in search of food. While raccoons can live up to 21 years, living in the wild affects the lifespan.
The life expectancy of adult raccoons in the wild is 2 to 3 years. Their average lifespan is so short because living in the wild makes them prone to predators, diseases, and other risks. It is common for wild raccoons to be hit by vehicles while they are crossing the road in urban areas.
While captive raccoons live longer, they are not meant to be pets. Raccoons are an important part of the ecosystem, as they control populations of other species and are a source of food for predators. Because of this, you should not attempt to have a raccoon as a pet unless you are a qualified wildlife rehabilitation specialist who is helping an injured or sick raccoon.
When Do Raccoons Have Babies?
Raccoons can start having babies very early on. Young raccoons at only 10 months old can begin to have offspring. They tend to have babies in spring, during April and May.
Female raccoons give birth to their young 30 to 60 days after they mate. Their litters tend to include 3 to 6 young kits, which is the name for baby raccoons. Because they are born helpless, raccoon mothers tend to give extra care to their babies.
Raccoons give birth in the dens that they create. They typically choose secluded, enclosed, and elevated areas. You might find a raccoon den in hollow trees, brush piles, caves, woodchuck dens, or other private areas out in the wild.
That said, a raccoon can create a den on your property. If they can access your attic, they might have their babies in there. Attics appear like the perfect mix of secluded and elevated to a wild animal like a raccoon.
What Should You Do if a Raccoon Kit is in the Attic?
Mother raccoons are incredibly protective over their young because they are born without the skills to protect themselves. If they get separated from their babies, they have the strength to rip the siding off of homes to reunite themselves. For this reason, you should never approach a mother and baby raccoon, even if you find them in your home’s attic.
It is possible to deter a raccoon from living in your attic. They often respond by shining a flashlight on them. Doing this might signal to the mother raccoon that the area is not safe for their babies, causing them to flee.
That said, this method does not always work. If you find a raccoon den in your attic, it is best to contact a wildlife removal company. Nuisance Wildlife Rangers can trap and relocate a family of raccoons without harming them in the process.
When you contact Nuisance Wildlife Rangers, you can rest assured that all of our removal methods are humane and ethical. We can also help you repair any entry points that the raccoons have created to gain access to your attic.
How to Respond to Finding Raccoon Kits in the Yard
If you notice baby raccoons in your backyard, you might be wondering how to get them to leave. You might also be concerned if you do not immediately see their mother, as baby raccoons require protection and help with finding food.
It is important to remember that you should never bring baby raccoons into your home. They are best taken care of by other raccoons. If you do not see the mother immediately, she is probably out hunting for food to bring back to her babies.
When you want to remove raccoons from your backyard, you should contact a company like Nuisance Wildlife Rangers. We can set up a trapping method that will ensure the babies and mothers stay together. Once they are trapped, we will relocate them to a safe area for them to create a new den.
Get Connected to a Professional Raccoon Removal Service
If you are dealing with a raccoon infestation in your home or yard, Nuisance Wildlife Rangers is here to help. We use humane and ethical trapping methods to ensure the safety of you and the wild animals.
Contact us today for more information on our raccoon removal services.
