If you’ve stumbled upon a den of baby raccoons, also known as kits, you might be wondering what exactly you’re looking at. Identifying baby raccoons starts with understanding their unique features. 

These small, furry creatures already have the signature look of their adult counterparts, but with a few distinctions. Their bodies are typically covered in soft gray fur with darker markings around their faces, including the iconic black “mask.” Even at a young age, their ringed tails stand out, showcasing the alternating bands of dark and light fur that raccoons are known for.

When it comes to their size, baby raccoons are small and delicate. Newborn kits are about the size of a tennis ball and weigh only a few ounces. Their ears are folded over at birth, and their eyes remain closed for the first two to three weeks of life, which adds an extra layer of vulnerability. 

These features, along with their soft whimpers that sound a bit like baby kittens, make them easily recognizable once you know what to look for. If you live in Minnetonka, encountering a baby raccoon isn’t uncommon, and it’s important to know what to do next. 

Below, we’ll explore raccoon kit appearance, behavior, and the best way to handle a nest of kits safely.

Baby Raccoon Features That Stand Out

Baby raccoons have several physical traits that make them easy to identify. Whether you see them up close or through a window, here are the details that set them apart from other animals:

• The Black Mask: This feature begins to appear even as babies, giving them a playful and mischievous look. The black mask not only makes them easy to identify but also helps reduce glare, much like how a football player might use eye black. Over time, this distinct marking becomes darker and perfectly frames their round eyes, adding to their iconic appearance.
• Ringed Tails: One of the most distinctive features is their bushy tails marked with alternating dark and light bands, which help make them instantly recognizable. These tail patterns not only provide camouflage in wooded areas but also serve as a balancing tool for climbing. The contrast in the bands is even noticeable when they are very young, making their tails stand out as one of their most unique traits.
• Small, Rounded Ears: While their ears are folded initially, they perk up after a few weeks, giving them better hearing. These small, rounded ears not only make them look adorable but also play a critical role in their survival as they learn to detect sounds around them. As kits grow, their ears become more sensitive to noises, helping them stay alert to potential dangers.
• Soft Gray Fur: Baby raccoons are covered in fluffy, grayish fur that’s thinner and silkier than the thicker coat of an adult. This soft fur helps keep the kits warm, particularly in cooler nesting spots like dens or hollow trees. As they grow, their grayish coat begins to darken and thicken, preparing them for life outside the nest.
• Closed Eyes: Kits don’t open their eyes until about three weeks old, leaving them completely dependent on their mother. Until their vision develops, they use their sense of touch and smell to find warmth and food. This early reliance on other senses lays the foundation for their later ability to explore and adapt to their environment.

When identifying baby raccoons, keep in mind their size. At only a few inches long, these vulnerable creatures are easy to recognize when spotted near their dens, often tucked away in chimneys, attics, or hollow trees.

Where You’ll Find Baby Raccoons

Raccoon kits are usually born between March and May during the warmer months. They’re typically hidden away in quiet, safe spaces where the mother feels secure. If you’re in Minnetonka, you’ll often find baby raccoons nesting in:

• Attics
• Chimneys
• Sheds
• Under decks
• Hollow trees

These areas provide warmth and protection from predators. If you suspect there are raccoon kits in your home, listen closely for high-pitched noises. Baby raccoons are vocal and will often make chirping or chittering sounds.

How Long Do Raccoon Kits Stay with Their Mothers?

Baby raccoons stay with their mothers for several months. During this time, the mother raccoon not only keeps them safe but also teaches them essential survival skills, like foraging and climbing. At about eight weeks, the kits start exploring their surroundings but remain close to their den. By fall, young raccoons are usually ready to leave their mother and strike out on their own.

If you come across baby raccoons, it’s crucial to remember that the mother raccoon is likely nearby. Removing or disturbing the kits could create stress for both the young animals and the mother.

Why DIY Removal Is Not the Answer

Dealing with wildlife like baby raccoons requires professional care. Although it might be tempting to handle the situation yourself, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Raccoons can carry diseases, and separating the babies from their mother can lead to even bigger problems. Our team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humane, effective raccoon removal solutions.

One of the methods we use is our one-way door system. These doors allow the mother raccoon to leave the nesting area with her kits but prevent them from re-entering. This keeps the family together, avoids unnecessary harm, and ensures your home is raccoon-free.

The Right Way to Respond to Baby Raccoons

If you discover baby raccoons on your property, here’s what you should do:

• Don’t Touch Them: Baby raccoons might look harmless, but it’s best to avoid handling them directly.
• Observe from a Distance: Monitor their activity to confirm if the mother is nearby before taking action.
• Call Professionals: Our team at Skedaddle in Minnetonka is equipped to handle these situations safely. We focus on humane methods that prioritize the well-being of both you and the animals.

Signs of a Raccoon Presence

Raccoons, regardless of their age, often leave behind signs of activity. Beyond identifying baby raccoons themselves, here are clues that might indicate a raccoon problem:

• Disturbed insulation in attics
• Scratches around entry points like vents or chimneys
• Droppings found near the den area
• Chirping or chittering noises

If you notice these signs, it’s time to act. Ignoring a raccoon problem can lead to property damage and potential health risks over time.

Preventing Future Nesting

Once the baby raccoons and their mother are safely removed, you’ll want to prevent them from coming back. Here are a few proactive steps to take:

• Seal Entry Points: Make sure attic vents, chimneys, and other openings are properly sealed.
• Trim Trees: Raccoons use tree branches to access roofs. Keep branches trimmed back at least six feet.
• Remove Food Sources: Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outside.

Our team can help with exclusion techniques to ensure your home remains raccoon-free long after removal.

Wrap It All Up With Skedaddle

If you’re facing a raccoon issue in Minnetonka, identifying baby raccoons and removing them safely requires experience and care. 

We specialize in handling these situations with minimal stress to both you and the animals. From newborn kits to adult raccoons, we use proven methods like our one-way doors to resolve the problem quickly and effectively.

Need help identifying baby raccoons or removing them from your property? Request an estimate today to learn more about how we can help you. Ensure a safe, raccoon-free home with Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Minnetonka!