Racoons

Raccoons:  The Tiny Bandits of Brookfield

Raccoons: the smart and fluffy trash eating bandits who we know and love! Though, raccoons do not actually live off trash the way people would imagine. Yes, they are scavengers, but trash is just one of the many things they dine on.

In the area of our lake, raccoons can find a feast near the shore! There is an abundance of aquatic wildlife who swim by, many of which are edible to raccoons. One of the main staples in a local raccoon’s diet are turtles. The technique of an average raccoon’s turtle eating often consists of emptying the turtle shell and proceeding to eat all the insides, which gives the raccoon all of the meat versus the hard exterior. Empty turtle shells are common in this area, usually in forests, nearby lakes, or rivers.

I have recently found a emptied turtle shell in a forest near the lake. Of course, there are numerous predators who feed on turtles, meaning it is impossible to know if it was a raccoon who ate the turtle. Though along with trash and turtles, raccoons can also find a meal out of plants, berries, crawfish, and even baby muskrats!

In addition, their front paws resemble human hands and are flexible, for with these paws they are able to scavenge more efficiently. The average raccoons’ weight can vary depending on the sex, age, and diet, but they usual size is around 12- 36 pounds. Though exceptionally large individuals can weigh up to 50 pounds.

 Also, raccoons are nocturnal, meaning in the day they often sleep in their den, and at nighttime they forage. Though often thought to be simple creatures, raccoons are extremely intelligent.

Raccoon mating season falls between January through March, and the kits (baby raccoons) are born in April or May. One litter of kits often includes 3 to 7 raccoons. The mother will give birth in a den such as a hollow tree, chimney, attic, or any other safe environment for her and the kits. At birth a average kit weighs 2 ounces. 3 weeks prior to birth the kits can fully able to open their eyes, and they are mobile and alert 7 to 8 weeks of age. Kits are later weaned in late summer and are independent from the mother after 20 weeks of age. By late fall they are increasingly independent, but still stay with their family, especially in cold weather. The following spring when the young raccoons are 9-12 months they disperse to find their own territory. Often young male raccoons will go farther such as 20 miles, to search for their territory.

If you see a raccoon do not approach! Even if raccoons can be quite cute, they can carry diseases such as rabies. Rabies is a serious disease that can be transmitted by animals and can affect humans. Signs of a rabid raccoon or any animal in that matter include foaming from the mouth, lethargy, and unprovoked aggression. To keep yourself, family, and pets safe from rabies, make sure you: secure trash bags, contact animal control if you see signs of a rabid animal, not feed wildlife, and keep pets supervised when outside.

In conclusion, raccoons are just one of the marvelous creatures that roam around Brookfield. For more information about raccoons and other local wildlife visit: