Raccoon

Raccoons are common throughout Wisconsin and are easily recognized by their black masks and ringed tails. While they are nocturnal, or more active at night, it is not uncommon to see them out searching for food during the day. Raccoons are often found in wooded, brushy areas near water as well as in urban areas near buildings and homes.  

A female raccoon will typically make her den in a tree cavity, but will sometimes occupy an attic or chimney, if accessible. Young raccoons, called kits, are typically born in April or May in litters of 2-6. In some cases, kits may be born as early as March or, in rarer situations, during the summer. Their eyes begin to open at about 3 weeks of age, and at 4 weeks, teeth begin to erupt. At 6-8 weeks, raccoon kits are capable of walking, climbing and running and may begin to explore alternate den sites with their mother. Weaning occurs at 8-12 weeks, but the kits may remain with their mother until the following spring.

Tip: If you find a raccoon kit outside of its den and it still has its eyes closed, contact the Wisconsin DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening, as the kit may be able to be reunited with its mom.  If you find a kit with its eyes open, and it's away from its den (e.g., on the ground) but not in immediate danger, watch from a distance to see if it climbs back up to its den or if its mother retrieves it. It is not uncommon for curious young raccoons to explore outside the den. Raccoons at this age are extremely vocal and many times do not need intervention

If raccoons have taken up residence in your attic, eaves or chimney, they can usually be forced to relocate by making the area less appealing to them. The mother will likely relocate the kits to another den site, carrying one baby at a time. This process may take multiple nights. Preventive measures are also needed to ensure that another raccoon will not occupy that space in the future, so be sure to securely close any possible points of entry and/or cap your chimney after the entire family has left. See the Nuisance, Urban, and Damaging Wildlife webpage for more information.