Some species stick with their mothers forever, however, raccoons will never have 30-year-old children living in their basement eating all their food. Typically, baby raccoons are on their own within the first year.
But there’s a lot to learn before young raccoons can step out into an ever-changing environment. If raccoons have moved into your property, you need the best raccoon removal Milwaukee has to offer. Explore this page to learn more about the risks of having raccoons around, their gestation cycle, questions like when do raccoon babies leave the nest, and what you can do about them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Raccoons
Raccoons live alone for most of their days, but when they are young, they certainly can be a nuisance.
1. Are Baby Raccoons Harmful?
Yes, baby raccoons can be harmful, as they can carry diseases such as rabies, distemper, and roundworms. They can also bite and scratch, which can transmit these diseases. If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to contact a wildlife removal expert who can have it tested for diseases and care for it properly.
2. How Serious Are Diseases From Raccoons?
Baby raccoons can carry a variety of serious diseases that affect humans and pets, including:
Rabies: Rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Symptoms of rabies in raccoons include aggression, difficulty walking, and paralysis. If you think a raccoon may have rabies, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Distemper: Distemper is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory problems, neurological problems, and death in raccoons. Symptoms of distemper in raccoons include fever, coughing, vomiting, and seizures. If you think a raccoon may have distemper, it is important to contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Roundworms: Roundworms are a type of parasite that can infect raccoons and other animals. Roundworms can cause a variety of health problems in humans, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. If you think you may have been exposed to roundworms from a raccoon, it is important to see a doctor.
3. How Do I Know if My Baby Raccoon Has Rabies?
If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to look for signs of rabies, such as:
- Aggression: Rabid animals are often aggressive and may attack without provocation.
- Difficulty walking: Rabid animals may have difficulty walking and may appear to be staggering.
- Paralysis: Rabid animals may experience paralysis, which can affect their legs, jaws, or other body parts.
If you see any of these signs in a baby raccoon, it is important to contact a professional removal team immediately.
4. Is It Safe To Touch a Baby Raccoon?
No, it is not safe to touch a baby raccoon, as they may bite or scratch. If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control officer to have it removed and cared for properly.
If you see a baby raccoon alone, it is possible that it has been orphaned. Orphaned baby raccoons need special care and attention, and should not be handled by untrained individuals. Not only this, but the raccoon may be injured, and touching it may make its situation worse.
Once you have contacted a professional removal service, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible about the baby raccoon, such as its location, appearance, and behavior. This will help them to assess the situation and provide the necessary care.
5. Can Baby Raccoons Survive Without Their Mother?
Baby raccoons cannot survive without their mother for long. They need their mother to provide them with food, warmth, and protection. If you find a baby raccoon that is separated from its mother, call for professional help.
You should never adopt a baby raccoon or bring it inside. It cannot survive on human food, and the elements of a household environment (noise, children, pets) will be too challenging and stressful for it to cope with.
6. How Old Are Baby Raccoons When They Leave the Nest?
Raccoon babies typically leave the nest at around 10-12 weeks of age. However, some raccoons may stay in the nest for up to 16 weeks.
Some may even stay near the nest for up to one year, during which time the mothers are incredibly protective and attack anything that comes close to their family. Males tend to be more independent and will stray further from the nest. Females like to stay closer to their mothers.
7. When Is Raccoon Mating Season?
Raccoons typically have babies in the spring, between March and May. The female raccoon, or “doe,” will give birth to a litter of between 2 and 7 babies, or “kits.” It takes about three weeks until their eyes open.
Between four and six weeks, the babies begin to stand. The mother weans them between two and three months. As a group, they’ll leave the den and the mother will guide them through foraging for food. She may carry the babies one by one in her mouth to different locations until they are fully mobile.
Do not attempt to care for a baby raccoon yourself, as you may put yourself and others at risk of harm.
8. What Kind of Damage Can a Raccoon Cause?
Raccoons can cause a variety of damage, both to property and to humans. They are known to be destructive pests and can cause significant damage to homes and businesses. Raccoons can damage homes and businesses by chewing on electrical wires, tearing up insulation, and making a mess.
They can also damage gardens and landscaping by digging up plants and flowers. Moreover, if you leave food out overnight near a grill or patio (even morsels and crumbs), they can upend furniture and get inside barbeque smokers where they can either get stuck or tear apart the wiring.
Reliable Raccoon Removal Milwaukee Knows and Trusts
Spring is the busiest time for wildlife control professionals. Many young raccoons are searching for a place to call their own. This can include your attic, chimney, or walls.
Each spring it’s important to spend some time inspecting your house and roof for signs of vulnerability. Milwaukee winters can be hard on roofs, fascia, and siding. You will want to secure and repair any damage immediately to prevent wildlife entry.
Mother raccoons will be on the lookout for safe and secure places to stash their babies. You don’t want them in your attic. If you find evidence of raccoon entry make sure to contact a professional raccoon removal service. Once a mother raccoon has had her babies the removal process becomes much more complicated and the potential for damage grows.
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