![]() A chattering or whiney sound is produced by newborn raccoons, reminiscent of baby birds soliciting mom to feed them. The majority of vocalization produced by raccoons comes at a very young age. ![]() The cubs are about 10 months old when ready to leave their mother. The young typically stay with their mother through the first winter and part the following spring (when the female is ready to breed again). Cubs open their eyes around 3 weeks of age, start eating solid food around 7 weeks old, and by 2 months old are traveling alongside their mother. Cubs are typically 3-5 ounces at birth, lightly furred, with a light-colored mask and rings on the tail. Litter size ranges from one to seven cubs, with four cubs being the average. Males play no role in the rearing of cubs. Most raccoon litters are born between April and May. Breeding occurs between January and June, depending upon environmental conditions. But whatever is on the menu gets a quick rinse in a nearby water source!īoth adult male and female raccoons reach sexual maturity around one year of age however, most males wait another year to breed because they are in strong competition with larger, older males. They will even open garbage cans to dine on the contents. Raccoons also eat fruit and plants-including those grown in human gardens and farms. On land, they pluck mice and insects from their hiding places and raid nests for tasty eggs. These nocturnal foragers use lightning-quick paws to grab crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. In the natural world, raccoons snare a lot of their meals in the water. Raccoons have been known to dumpster dive and feast on human leftovers. They also indulge in include insects, fish, eggs, carrion, small mammals, small birds, mollusks, and crustaceans. During fall, raccoons stock up on fatty nuts and seeds for the coming winter. Preferred plant-based foods include tubers, seeds, berries, and nuts. They are primarily solitary, though mothers and their young stay together for the first few months. They only go as far as their appetite will take them. They do not travel far from a comfortable den. However, when in dire need of food, they will venture out during the daytime. Raccoons are nocturnal and are rarely active during the day. However, raccoons do not hibernate they live off their fat reserves and can lose up to 50 percent of their body weight. In winter, raccoons spend weeks in their dens without eating. In late fall and early winter, their fur will thicken into a heavy winter coat and they will eat as much as they can find to tide them over during harsh weather. In urban areas, chimneys, attics, and crawl spaces underneath homes are common den sites. Raccoons den in hollow trees, rock crevices, and ground dens. They are terrestrial, but also excellent swimmers. They originated in North America and can be found across the United States, Canada, and Central America. They have been found in marshes, prairies, forests, and even in urban areas. Their latin name lotor means “the washer." Being very adaptable, raccoons can be found anywhere water is available. Home is where the water is: Raccoons are known for washing their food before consuming it. ![]() Most other species live on tropical islands. During the 20th century, raccoons were introduced to other parts of the globe, and now have an extensive presence in countries like Germany, Russia, and Japan. There are six species of raccoon, in addition to the familiar North American raccoon. Raccoons have highly dexterous front paws and have been known to unlock locks and get into trash cans for food. Raccoons are excellent climbers, as well as being good swimmers however they may be reluctant to get wet, since they do not have “waterproof” fur. ![]() The raccoon's coloration is ideal for a nocturnal lifestyle, enabling it to vanish like smoke when harassed. They have round ears bordered by white fur. All raccoons have bandit-like face masks. Their dense fur is grayish-brown, and the tail has 5 to 7 complete dark rings, alternating with broader brown or gray rings. Raccoons weigh between 12 and 35 pounds (females are usually smaller than males). They will do anything in their power to acquire food of all kinds. Their superior dexterity has proved no match for combination locks on dumpsters or fastened windows. Raccoons are highly intelligent and curious. Often seen as a pest to farmers, raccoons play an important role for our ecosystem by controlling the rodent populations that they prey upon. They have adapted to living with and near humans. Smokey the bandit: Raccoons are one of the few native North America wildlife that have not been restricted by urbanization and human development.
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