Raccoons in California: When Do They Have Babies?
Raccoons are fascinating creatures that can be found all over California. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and their love of garbage. But when do these masked bandits have their babies?
Raccoon Reproduction in California
Raccoons typically have one litter per year. The breeding season for raccoons in California usually begins in late winter or early spring, around February or March. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the location and the specific conditions.
Gestation Period
After mating, the female raccoon will have a gestation period of approximately 63-65 days. This means that the babies, known as kits, are usually born in late April or early May.
Litter Size
The average litter size for raccoons in California is between 3 and 5 kits. However, the number of kits can range from as few as 2 to as many as 8.
Raising the Kits
Raccoon mothers are very protective of their young. They will create a den in a hollow tree, a log, or even under a porch or shed. The kits are born blind and helpless, but they grow quickly. They will begin to emerge from the den and explore their surroundings within a few weeks.
Raccoon Facts
- Raccoons are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, nuts, and garbage.
- They are highly intelligent animals and are known for their problem-solving abilities.
- Raccoons are nocturnal and are most active at night.
- They are excellent climbers and can often be found in trees.
- Raccoons are social animals and live in family groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Garbage?
- Invest in raccoon-proof garbage cans. These cans have special features that make it difficult for raccoons to open them.
- Store your garbage indoors. If you can't store your garbage indoors, make sure to keep it in a secure location that is inaccessible to raccoons.
- Clean up food spills and messes immediately. Raccoons are attracted to food scraps, so it's important to clean up any messes as soon as possible.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Your Attic?
- Seal up any entry points. This will prevent raccoons from entering your attic in the first place.
- Set up live traps. You can capture raccoons and release them into a nearby wooded area.
- Contact a professional wildlife removal service. If you're having trouble getting rid of raccoons on your own, you can contact a professional wildlife removal service for help.
How to Prevent Raccoons from Digging in Your Yard?
- Install motion-activated sprinklers. These sprinklers will scare away raccoons and other animals.
- Place mothballs or ammonia-soaked rags in the area where the raccoons are digging. The strong smell of mothballs or ammonia will deter raccoons.
- Cover up any exposed food or garbage. Raccoons are attracted to food, so it's important to keep it covered and out of reach.
How to Tell if a Raccoon is Rabid?
- Raccoons that are rabid may exhibit unusual behavior, such as aggression, disorientation, or excessive salivation.
- If you see a raccoon that appears to be sick or acting strangely, do not approach it. Contact your local animal control agency or health department for assistance.
How to Help a Baby Raccoon That Has Been Orphaned?
- Do not attempt to handle a baby raccoon. If you find a baby raccoon that appears to be orphaned, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center for help. They will be able to provide the proper care for the baby raccoon.
I hope you found this post informative and entertaining. If you have any other questions about raccoons in California, please feel free to leave a comment below.