Raccoons are naturally carnivorous animals that have some omnivorous 
tendencies – meaning that they prefer to eat meat, but can sustain themselves off of a wide diet that includes many different berries, grasses, and the occasional scraps scavenged from unsuspecting garbage cans. Nursing mothers in particular have an insatiable appetite, and will sometimes spend entire days and nights foraging for food.
For this reason, it is not uncommon to see raccoons during the day, even though they are typically nocturnal.
Breeding Cycle
Raccoon breeding typically begins late in the winter, near the beginning of the calendar year. If the female doesn’t become pregnant during this time, she will go into estrus four months later, which will result in her birthing babies late in the summertime. Most cubs are born in April or May each year, and the average length of pregnancy for raccoons is just 63 days. The mother typically births one to seven cubs at a time, which are born with fur and are mobile.
Male Raccoons
Male raccoons reach sexual maturity in the first spring after they’re born, but due to the presence of more mature males, they typically do not breed in their first year. After breeding, the male raccoon typically returns to their den until the weather warms up. Raccoons do not hibernate, but they can spend long periods of time in their den without eating during the winter months. Males do not form couples with females during their gestation period, and do not help raise the cubs.
Young
At birth, raccoons have their ears folded against their heads with their eyes closed. At around the three week mark their eyes open and ears stand erect. By the time they are six weeks old, the babies can typically run and climb with strong proficiency. Young raccoons are ready to leave the nest with their mothers at around eight weeks old, and are weaned by the time they reach four months of age.
The attics of houses are popular nesting locations for raccoons to build dens during birthing season, and if you suspect a raccoon infestation in your home, the safest option is to call a professional wildlife removal company like Critter Control®.
For more information about our raccoon removal services, or to schedule a consultation, call us today at 305-258-3587.