Why You Should Take Care Around Young Raccoons?

Why You Should Take Care Around Young Raccoons?

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Spring is here, and life is bursting all around. Animals of all sorts are giving birth to the next generation of their species, raccoons among them. As cute and cuddly as the adults look, their little ones are even more adorable. Once they are old enough to learn to forage, they may be seen out and about with their mother in the early morning or late evening hours. At this stage, observing them out in their natural environment is entertaining. They are often quite playful and a bit clumsy as well. However, if you discover them in your home, it’s an entirely different story. Even in your yard, their presence can lead to dangers for pets and children. When you discover a nest of kits, with or without their mother present, it is important to contact professionals in raccoon control Coquitlam for humane and safe removal.

Baby Boom

Female raccoons give birth to their little ones in the late spring. A litter contains anywhere from one to nine kits, though the typical range is three to five. When they are born, they can neither see nor hear. They are entirely dependent on their mothers to keep them safe and fed for the first 12 weeks of their lives, and mama raccoons are excellent at doing their jobs. Once they are old enough, they begin to venture out with mom to learn how to fend for themselves. It’ll take another six months before the first of the litter is prepared to head off on its own. The males usually leave before it is time to den down again for the cold weather, but the females often stick with their mama for an entire year.

Big Little Problem

While the little ones themselves don’t pose a threat, as they have yet to learn to fear humans or pets, mothers are highly protective. These normally fairly docile creatures turn aggressive if they feel they or their kits are in danger. Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws. They also carry diseases, the most prevalent of which is rabies. They are one of the primary carriers of the disease, so there is a high risk of contracting it if you are bitten. A family of raccoons living in your home can lead to a host of trouble. Adult excretions have the potential to transmit numerous diseases. When you add several little ones to the living space, the risks are multiplied. They may be little, but they make big messes! Salmonellosis, leptospirosis and baylisacaris are spread through raccoon scat and urine. Though the babies do not normally bite people, they potentially have rabies, so it is best to avoid getting bit.

Safety Patrol

Discovering a nest full of little ones with no mother in sight causes understandable alarm. There is likely nothing to worry about. The mother leaves them each time she has to go forage for nourishment until they are old enough to follow her. Keep an eye on the nest from a safe distance to ensure she does return. If the nest is in your home, contact professionals for assistance right away. Though baby raccoons are undeniably adorable, and they can be irresistible to children, it is important to educate your own kids on why they should never approach a raccoon. Demonstrate safe ways to observe animals in the wild and let them know that that they should tell you if they discover a bunch of little ones. When out walking your dogs, keeping them on a leash protects them from the possibility of a raccoon attack.

Raccoon Removal

Skedaddle is the company to call when you have a raccoon issue. Our raccoon control Coquitlam technicians are trained in safe and effective removal techniques. When there are little ones involved, they use special baby boxes to protect them during the process. They are reunited with their mother in a more suitable location. If you need help with raccoon removal, contact us today!

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About the author: Alex joins Skedaddle as the company’s first franchise owner in British Columbia. After graduating from the University of Guelph with a degree in Wildlife Biology & Conservation, Alex earned his Masters of Science of Forestry from Lakehead University. With the opportunity to work with wildlife he took a job in forestry working in remote areas across British Columbia. His passion and love of wildlife led him to join Skedaddle to provide families across the Tri-cities with a humane approach to wildlife control.

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