Can Baby Raccoons Survive Without Their Mother?

December 24, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

Many people think that baby raccoons are cute and harmless, but they can actually be quite dangerous. Raccoons are wild animals and their babies are no different. If you find a baby raccoon, it’s best to leave it alone.

Baby raccoons need their mother to survive and if you remove them from the wild, they will most likely die.

What to if You Find…a Baby Raccoon!

Many people are surprised to learn that baby raccoons can survive without their mother. While it is certainly best for them to be with her, they are able to fend for themselves if necessary. The first few weeks of a raccoon’s life are spent in the den with their mother.

She will teach them everything they need to know about surviving in the wild. Once they are old enough, she will take them out on foraging trips where they will learn how to find food and water on their own. If for some reason a baby raccoon is separated from their mother before they have had a chance to learn all of this, they can still survive.

They may not be as successful as one who has been properly taught, but it is possible for them to make it on their own. So, if you ever come across a Baby Raccoon on its own, don’t worry too much – there’s a good chance it will be just fine!

How Long Can Baby Raccoons Survive Without Their Mother

If you have found an orphaned baby raccoon, or are considering taking in one, it is important to know how long they can survive without their mother. Raccoons are generally weaned from their mothers at around 3-4 months old. However, they will often stay with their mothers until they are around a year old.

This means that a baby raccoon can survive without its mother for up to 12 months. While some well-meaning people may think that taking in an orphaned baby raccoon is a good idea, it is actually illegal in many states to do so. This is because raccoons can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, and they can also be quite aggressive when they reach adulthood.

If you find an orphaned baby raccoon, your best bet is to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center near you and let them handle it.

Credit: www.jaguarrescue.foundation

How Long Can Baby Raccoons Live Without Their Mom?

A baby raccoon can live for up to 12 weeks without its mother, although it is best if they are together. The mother will teach the baby how to find food and shelter, and protect them from predators. If a baby raccoon is orphaned, it is important to get it to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible so that it can be given the best chance of survival.

Do Mother Raccoons Abandon Their Babies?

No, mother raccoons do not abandon their babies. If a mother raccoon is killed or otherwise unable to care for her young, the babies will be taken in by another female raccoon, often a relative.

What Do You Do If a Baby Raccoon Has No Mom?

If you find a baby raccoon and it appears to have no mother, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. Baby raccoons are dependent on their mothers for survival and will not survive long on their own. If you must handle the baby, use gloves and avoid getting bitten or scratched, as they can carry diseases.

It is also important to remember that it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets in most states.

How Can You Tell How Old a Baby Raccoon Is?

A baby raccoon is born blind and deaf and is completely dependent on its mother. At birth, a baby raccoon weighs about 3-5 ounces and is about 8-9 inches long. It takes about 75 days for a baby raccoon to be fully grown.

You can tell how old a baby raccoon is by its size, weight, and fur.

Conclusion

It’s common for baby raccoons to be orphaned when their mother is killed, but can they survive on their own? The answer is yes, but it’s not easy. Baby raccoons are born blind and deaf and rely heavily on their mother for the first few months of life.

Without their mother, they must learn to fend for themselves and find food and shelter. This can be a difficult task, but many baby raccoons are able to successfully survive on their own.