Basic Facts Surrounding the Common Raccoon

Raccoons are clever critters, often studied for this in captive settings.  They are remarkably bright and resourceful in nature as well.  There are a lot of interesting facts about raccoons, but before indulging in these, it is good to have an understanding of what the raccoon species is all about.

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605
Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Physical Description

Raccoons, scientifically Procyon Lotor, are medium-sized mammals with a gray coat of fur and a long striped tail.  They are often seen with a black stretch of fur directly over their eyes, giving them the look of wearing a bandit’s mask; hence the nickname, little bandits.  They usually weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds, and stands at 1 to 2 feet, on its hind legs.  This is at full adult size. 

Raccoons are also known as “little bandits” due to their curiosity and cleverness in residential areas.  They can snoop and tear through garbage cans and dumpsters looking for food, in the middle of the night, and never get caught.  People in these communities wake up to a huge mess in their lawn or drive-way!  This is what most people think of when you mention the word, raccoon.

Reproduction

Female raccoons give birth to litters of baby raccoons called “kits”.  Their gestation period ranges from a few months, or 65 days.  They usually have anywhere from 2 to 5 kits per litter.  After about nine weeks, the kits can eat solid food and even leave the den to explore.  They are eventually weaned completely by 16 weeks or so.  The mother shows them feeding grounds and dens, and the adolescent raccoons then split up and head off on their own. 

Diet

For food, they will eat almost anything.  They are by far one of the most interesting omnivores known to man.  In certain times, they will munch on insects and worms, but will also eat fruits and nuts in other seasons.  They are even known to indulge in certain vertebrates like fish and frogs.  This diet is good for them, and must be, because raccoons have been known to also live a long time. 

Life Expectancy

In captive, raccoons can live past 20 years of age!  However, in nature, there are more dangers and threats that affect the life span of a raccoon.  In the wild, raccoons only live on average 1 to 3 years.  They are in constant threat of predators, destroyed habitats, loss of food sources, and more. 

Nuisance Raccoons

Raccoons are highly intelligent and ambitious mammals with dexterous paws. These traits makes it easy for raccoons to access our properties and generate a long list of possible damages. A big-time attraction for all raccoons is food, so trash cans are common targets. If you know raccoons are a problem in your neighborhood, it is wise to take certain preventative measures to keep raccoons away from trash cans, as well as, all other areas of your property.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Indianapolis

Call 317-535-4605 for 24 hour raccoon removal in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists that offer a wide range of safe, non-lethal raccoon removal services and attic restorations. Request a free estimate, today.