Spring is a time of renewal, and for many animals, it’s also the season for new life. During this period, homeowners are more likely to encounter animals like raccoons, skunks, and squirrels raising their young nearby. Knowing how to handle these situations can prevent unnecessary stress—both for the animals and for you. 

Skedaddle’s wildlife removal services in Atlanta offer a trusted solution for humane animal removal and prevention, ensuring your home stays safe without disrupting these creatures’ natural behaviors. 

Whether you’re curious about how to tell if a raccoon has babies, wondering about skunk mating season, or navigating squirrel encounters during squirrel mating season, understanding what to do when you cross paths with young animals is vital to maintain safety and harmony. 

How to Tell If a Raccoon Has Babies  

One of the most common springtime visitors is the raccoon. These intelligent and resourceful animals often choose sheltered, quiet places to give birth and raise their young. Attics, garages, and even chimneys can become an attractive option for raccoon mothers looking to protect their cubs.  

To identify if a raccoon near your property might have babies, look for signs of repeated activity in a specific area. For example, you may hear scratching or chirping sounds from within the walls or attic at night. Additionally, you might notice nesting materials such as torn insulation, leaves, or paper gathered in a concentrated location. Baby raccoons, called kits, are relatively vocal and may emit high-pitched cries when the mother temporarily leaves to search for food.  

If you believe a raccoon in your home has babies, it’s critical to avoid handling the situation on your own. Raccoon mothers can become defensive and aggressive if they feel their young are threatened. Instead, contact a humane wildlife control professional, like Skedaddle, to assess the situation and safely remove the family without harming them or causing property damage.  

Keep in mind that raccoons are also clever climbers and can use rooflines, chimneys, or soffit gaps as potential entry points. Safeguard your home before next spring by sealing openings, reinforcing weak areas, and clearing overhanging branches they might use to gain access.  

Skunk Mating Season Can Lead to Unexpected Surprises  

Skunk activity tends to increase in spring as their mating season starts in late winter and runs into early spring. This means homeowners may start to notice more skunks in their yards as male skunks roam to find mates. These encounters may result in a skunk den being established under your porch, deck, or shed, as female skunks prepare to give birth and raise their kits.  

Baby skunks, also known as kits, are born blind and entirely dependent on their mothers. If you spot a skunk on your property, resist the urge to intervene directly. Approaching too closely can trigger defensive spraying, leaving you with a smell that’s difficult to remove. Instead, observe from a distance to determine where they seem to be nesting.  

Skunks are most active during dawn and dusk. Their burrowing behaviors often leave visible signs like small holes in the yard or disturbed soil near potential entry points. If you hear light scratching sounds from under a deck or patio, it’s possible that a skunk mother has taken up residence.  

A professional wildlife control service is your best option for removing skunks humanely and without risk. Teams like ours at Skedaddle know how to identify nesting locations, assess the presence of babies, and remove animals without causing harm. We also offer solutions to prevent future access, such as reinforcing vulnerable areas and installing barriers around decks and sheds.  

Squirrel Mating Season and Signs of Squirrel Nests

Squirrels may be small, but their activity ramps up significantly during mating season. Understanding their behavior and knowing the signs of nesting can help you protect your home from potential issues. Here’s what you should know:

Timing of Squirrel Mating Season

• Occurs twice a year, typically in late winter and early summer, depending on your region.
• Spring is the peak time for baby squirrels to appear in nests.

Where Squirrels Nest

• Prefer natural spaces like tree hollows for their nests.
• Frequently use attics or walls of homes if they find accessible entry points.
• Signs inside your home include shredded insulation, gnawed wires, or small holes near roof eaves.

Signs of Squirrel Activity

• Visible damage to insulation, wires, or wooden structures near entry points.
• Scratching noises in attics or walls, especially during early mornings or evenings
• Presence of small openings or chew marks around rooflines and vents.

Baby Squirrels in Nests

• Born completely helpless and cared for by their mother in the nest for about two months.
• Separating baby squirrels from their mothers can lead to sanitation issues and unpleasant odors if the young perish in inaccessible areas.

Trapping or relocating squirrels without first addressing their entry points often leads to re-infestation. Humane removal is essential to ensure that both the mother and her young are safely relocated together. 

Skedaddle’s expert squirrel removal services focus on a humane approach to safely remove squirrels from your home while sealing all entry points to prevent future infestations. Additionally, we provide advice on prevention strategies, such as trimming nearby tree branches and securing potential access points.

The Importance of Humane Practices  

Spring encounters with animals raising young can be unsettling, particularly when they involve your home. However, it’s essential to approach these encounters with caution, respect, and care. Mothers of species like raccoons, skunks, and squirrels are just trying to provide a safe environment for their babies. Humane removal methods aim to protect both the animals and your property, minimizing harm and ensuring the young grow up in their natural environments.  

When you work with humane control specialists like Skedaddle, you can rest assured that the methods prioritize the safety of animals while addressing the concern efficiently. From detailed inspections to full-service cleaning and exclusion services, our team specializes in providing proactive solutions to keep your property safe year-round.  

What to Do When You Encounter Animals  

The key to harmonious coexistence during spring is preparation and understanding. To minimize the chances of animals entering your home while they’re caring for their young, focus on maintaining your property. This can include some straightforward steps, such as:

• Sealing gaps in attics, garages, and crawl spaces ahead of springtime.  
• Removing food sources like pet food, trash, or birdseed that might attract animals.  
• Installing barriers around decks, sheds, or patios to prevent burrowing.  

If, however, an unexpected encounter does occur, the best thing you can do is remain calm. Avoid getting too close to the nest or den, as this can stress the mother and lead to defensive or dangerous behavior. Always contact trained professionals to assess and resolve these situations safely and humanely.  

Call Us Today to Protect Your Home  

Spring is a beautiful season, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing interactions between humans and nature. Whether you’re trying to figure out how to tell if a raccoon has babies, wondering about skunk mating season, or dealing with squirrels during squirrel mating season, Skedaddle in Atlanta is here to help.  

We bring over 30 years of expertise to every home we visit, ensuring not only humane practices but effective solutions that last. Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a bigger issue. Give us a call today to learn more about safeguarding your home and maintaining peace of mind.