Raccoons are fascinating creatures known for their intelligence and resourcefulness. They are mammals that are native to North America and are seen in more wooded areas. Some people think that they are only nocturnal, but they also look for food during the day. How long do raccoons live? They go through various life stages and live about 2-3 years in the wild and 5-6 years in captivity.
Raccoon Life Cycle
The life cycle of a raccoon consists of distinct stages that are key to its development and survival. From birth to old age, raccoons go through various phases that shape their behavior and characteristics.
How Long Do Raccoons Live?
On average, raccoons live for about 2-3 years in the wild. However, under optimal conditions, they can survive up to 5-6 years or even longer in captivity. In addition, the lifespan of a raccoon is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and available resources.
Raccoon Life Stages
Raccoons go through several life stages, each marked by unique characteristics and requirements. Understanding these stages can provide insight into their behavior and habits.
- Infancy: Raccoons are born blind and completely dependent on their mothers for survival. They spend their first few weeks in the den, nursing and gradually gaining strength.
- Juvenile: After around two months, young raccoons start venturing outside the den, being guided and taught by their mother. During this stage, they learn essential skills like climbing, foraging, and socializing with other raccoons.
- Adolescence: As they become more independent, teenage raccoons begin exploring their surroundings and honing their hunting abilities. This stage is crucial for developing their adult behaviors and adapting to their environment.
- Adulthood: Once fully grown, adult raccoons possess the skills and instincts necessary for survival. They establish their territories, mate, and raise their offspring.
- Old Age: In their final years, raccoons may experience a decline in physical abilities and face increased challenges in finding food and shelter.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Raccoon?
Several factors can impact the lifespan of a raccoon:
- Genetics: Some raccoons may inherit genes that make them more resilient or susceptible to certain diseases and health issues.
- Environment: The availability of food, water, and suitable habitats greatly influences an individual raccoon’s chances of surviving and thriving.\
- Predators: Raccoons have natural predators like coyotes, foxes, and large birds of prey. The presence or absence of these predators can affect their mortality rates.
- Human Interference: Encounters with humans and human-made hazards, such as vehicles, can significantly shorten a raccoon’s lifespan.
Dangers of Removing Raccoons on Your Own
If you are having issues with raccoons, it is not recommended to remove them on your own. Attempting to remove raccoons without professional help can be dangerous and ineffective. Raccoons are resourceful creatures with sharp claws and teeth, and they may become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Moreover, improper removal methods can cause harm both to the raccoon and the person trying to capture or relocate them.
Humane Removal of Raccoons
When dealing with raccoon removal, it is essential to employ techniques that do not cause unnecessary harm or distress to the animal. Additionally, humane removal often involves using live traps, followed by releasing the raccoon in a suitable environment far away from human habitations.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about how long raccoons live, let’s learn about some other areas of maintenance.
One of those is where raccoons go during the day. They often look for food and also go into trees, attics, and elevated areas to hide from predators. Another is getting raccoons out of the attic. This is one of the last places you want to see these animals. Lastly, in Florida, we are a state with a lot of iguanas and they do lay eggs. Also, they have a breeding season and hatch several times a year!
When Do I Call a Professional?
We recommend you call a professional wildlife removal service whenever you encounter raccoons on your property or face raccoon-related issues. These experts possess the knowledge, experience, and tools to safely and effectively handle raccoon removal, minimizing any potential harm or risks involved.
Conclusion
Understanding the life cycle and average lifespan of raccoons can help us appreciate these creatures’ resilience and adaptability. Also, by seeking professional assistance when necessary, we can ensure the safety of both raccoons and ourselves while coexisting peacefully with wildlife. Reach out to AAA pest control to get your raccoon and other pest issues under control in Oakland Park, FL, and the surrounding South Florida areas.