What To Do If You Find A Baby Raccoon?

October 15, 2022 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

If you find a baby raccoon, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. Baby raccoons are very cute, but they can also be dangerous. Raccoons are wild animals and can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.

If you must handle the baby raccoon, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

If you find a baby raccoon, the first thing you should do is call your local wildlife rehabilitation center. Baby raccoons are very delicate and need professional care in order to survive. If you have the time and resources, you can try to care for the baby yourself, but it is best to leave this to the experts.

When transporting the baby raccoon, make sure to use gloves and a towel or blanket to pick them up. This will help keep both you and the animal safe. Once at the rehabilitation center, they will assess the animal and provide any necessary medical care.

The goal is always to release animals back into the wild, so if you find a baby raccoon, please do not hesitate to reach out for help!

Baby Raccoon Age Chart

If you’re like most people, you probably think of baby raccoons as being incredibly cute. But did you know that there’s actually a science to determining just how old a baby raccoon is? Here’s a look at the baby raccoon age chart, which can help you determine the age of any young ‘un you come across.

One way to tell how old a baby raccoon is, is by looking at its teeth. Baby raccoons have 26 teeth, which they all should have by the time they’re two months old. At three months, their top incisors will start to yellow and their bottom incisors will be starting to come in.

By four months, all of their adult teeth should be in – so if you see a baby raccoon with anything less than a full set of teeth, it’s still quite young. Another way to tell the age of a baby raccoon is by its size. A newborn kit (that’s what baby raccoons are called) will only weigh about 4 ounces – about as much as an iPhone 6 Plus!

By two months old though, they’ll have trebled in size and weight and will be closer to 12 ounces. And by four months old, they’re usually fully grown adults weighing in at around 10 pounds or so. So if you see a tiny little kit scurrying around on its own, chances are it’s still quite young.

Finally, another indicator of age in baby raccoons is their tail. When born, kits have very short tails – only about half an inch long! But as they grow older, their tails gradually get longer and longer until they reach adulthood when their tail will be around 9 inches long from base to tip.

So if you see a kit with a short stubby tail – that’s another sign it’s still quite young. So there you have it – three ways to tell how old a baby raccoon is using the handy dandybabyracoonage chart! Now next time you see one rummaging through your trashcan or taking an afternoon nap in your treehouse -you’ll know exactly how old it is..

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Credit: wildliferehabilitators.org

Can Baby Raccoons Survive Without Their Mother?

Orphaned baby raccoons have a very difficult time surviving on their own. While their mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for them, they can survive on other sources of food if necessary. However, without their mother’s care and guidance, they are much more likely to die young.

There are many dangers that baby raccoons face when they are on their own. One of the biggest dangers is starvation. Without their mother to teach them how to find food, many baby raccoons starve to death before they reach adulthood.

Another danger is predation. Baby raccoons are easy prey for many animals, including dogs, cats, owls, and coyotes. Without their mother to protect them, they are vulnerable to being killed by predators.

Finally, orphaned baby raccoons are also at risk of exposure to the elements and diseases. Without their mother’s fur to keep them warm or her milk to boost their immune system, they are much more likely to succumb to the cold or get sick and die. While it is possible for orphaned baby raccoons to survive on their own in the wild, it is very unlikely.

How Can You Tell If a Baby Raccoon is Abandoned?

If you find a baby raccoon and are unsure if it has been abandoned, there are a few things you can look for to help determine if the animal needs your assistance. First, check to see if the area around the den is clean and free of debris. If it appears that the area has not been disturbed, it’s likely that the mother is still taking care of her young.

Another way to tell if a baby raccoon is abandoned is by checking its fur. If the fur is clean and well-groomed, it’s likely that the mother is still attending to her offspring. However, if the fur is matted or covered in dirt, this could be a sign that the mother has abandoned the litter.

Finally, you can try to listen for vocalizations coming from inside the den. If you hear crying or whimpering coming from inside, this could be a sign that the baby raccoon has been orphaned and requires assistance.

How Do You Take Care of an Abandoned Baby Racoon?

If you find an abandoned baby raccoon, the best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. These centers are staffed with trained professionals who can properly care for the animal. In most cases, it is illegal to keep a wild animal as a pet, so it is important to find a reputable rehabilitation center that can take in the raccoon.

The staff at the rehabilitation center will assess the health of the animal and provide proper care, which may include bottle-feeding if the raccoon is young. It is important to note that even though these animals may appear cute and cuddly, they can be very dangerous when scared or threatened. It is always best to leave wildlife in the wild and let trained professionals handle them.

Are Baby Raccoons Supposed to Be Alone?

No, baby raccoons are not supposed to be alone. They are social animals and need the company of their mothers and other raccoons in order to survive and thrive. If a baby raccoon is found alone, it should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible so that it can be properly cared for.

What to if You Find…a Baby Raccoon!

Conclusion

If you find a baby raccoon, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. Raccoons are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. If you must handle the raccoon, always wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.