With raccoon mating season underway, here are a few tips we should all be aware of that can help detect raccoons early as well as some key pointers for humane removal should you find yourself with any raccoon (and soon to be raccoon family) issue.

Raccoon mating season starts in late winter, and litters are usually born in the late spring (April, May and beginning of June). Once March hits, it’s important to keep an eye out, as well as open ears for any attempt of raccoons breaking into your garage, shed, attic, crawl space, under the deck etc. A mother raccoon (although they live outdoors), will seek a warmer, more comfortable space to provide a nest and shelter for her babies. Your attic tends to be the number one choice of mother raccoons as it is elevated from predators and already tends to have the materials needed to make a comfortable nest for her litter.

Recognizing the signs of a raccoon inhabitant:

• Obvious entry points such as bent siding, damaged vents or soffits/fascia
• Rustling and thumping – “out of the ordinary” home noises
• Possible cries from new babies – (They are very vocal during their early days)
• Mother raccoon sightings – She will not go too far from her babies!

Here are the problems with housing raccoons:

• Contamination from their dwelling (stench of urine, feces, nesting etc.) – risk of spreading disease
• Raccoons will seek out your home each year (for every litter) should you allow their nesting to take place
• Damage to your home including soffit and/or roof damage
• Insulation damage
• Damage to air ducts, wiring etc.

How long until they leave?

• Typically a nesting baby will stick around for 3 months
• A mother raccoon will feed and take care of her kits until all of them are mobile and able to forage on their own
• Typical litters are around 1-8 kits

What NOT to do:

• Do not seal a raccoon off! For obvious reasons, a mother raccoon will need a way to leave and return in order to feed her babies and care for her young
• Do not try to re-locate the nest on your own! Touching the young and/or nest may cause abandonment from the mother because of your threatening scent
• Do not try to touch/trap the mother or young! Raccoons are tense and defensive creatures on their own. Add a mother raccoon into the mix and you will be in trouble. They will put up a nasty fight and can cause serious injuries from bites/scratches
• Do not contact a trapping company! There are more humane ways that will re-home the mother and her nest without touching them

What TO do:

• CALL US! — We can safely and humanely re-home a mother and her offspring!