Interesting Facts About Raccoons
- Male raccoons are polygamous and will mate with several females in succession. In contrast, female raccoons are monogamous and will only mate with one male and will not tolerate other males after mating has occurred.
- The gestation period of a raccoon is approximately 62 days.
- Female raccoons will typically give birth to 1 to 7 offspring. Although 4 to 5 is more common we have seen up to 11 babies in one litter before.
- The eyes of a baby raccoon typically open at 21 days of age.
- Once baby raccoons are around 6 weeks, they will start exploring inside the attic. Although it is not their intent to be destructive, it is a fact that these animals cause damage that often goes undetected. With all their curiosity and activity, they pack down the insulation and chew on any drywall, wood or wiring that they can get their teeth on.
- Being nocturnal, noises are most frequently heard at night but raccoons can also be active in the attic during the day, especially in the spring when the babies are born.
- Weighing between 5 to 26 kg (11 to 57 lb.) they can make quite a bit of noise. It is common to hear heavy walking and thumping in the attic.
- For the first three weeks, the eyes and ears of a baby raccoon remain closed and when they are bothered or hungry they vocalize. The mother raccoon often has her babies in the attic above the master bedroom as it is the quietest place in the house during the day.
In these cases, professional services like pest control in Burnaby, as well as in other Vancouver areas are essential for safely and humanely dealing with raccoon infestations, ensuring that both the animals and your home are treated with care.
