Raccoons in your Attic in Hamilton?

Appearance

The raccoon (Procyon lotor), a well-known and distinctive mammalian species, is native to the North American continent. One of the most prominent and easily recognizable features of raccoons is their distinct facial mask, which consists of a black band that runs across their eyes and gives them a curious and mischievous appearance. While the raccoon's facial features are often the center of attention, they also possess unique physical characteristics when it comes to their body shape and fur. The raccoon's fur is typically grayish-brown in color and is long and dense, providing exceptional insulation during colder months. Moreover, their bushy tail is one of their most striking features, which can be as long as 40 centimeters and is adorned with alternating black and brown rings.Raccoons are medium-sized animals that typically weigh between 6-9 kilograms and measure about 75 centimeters in length.

Behavior 

Did you know that raccoons are fascinating creatures that can thrive in both urban and rural environments? These resourceful animals are primarily nocturnal and are most active between 10 pm and 6 am, when they forage for food, explore their surroundings, and socialize with other raccoons.One of the most remarkable things about raccoons is their adaptable diet. They are not picky eaters and will consume a wide variety of food, including insects, small animals, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are also skilled hunters and have been known to catch fish and other aquatic creatures.However, raccoons can also be notorious for scavenging in garbage cans and raiding bird feeders. While this behaviour can make them a frequent pest for homeowners, it's important to remember that raccoons are simply trying to survive and find food in a changing world.

Cycle of Life 

Raccoons are fascinating animals that display social behaviour and mate during late winter or early spring, typically between February and March, when the weather starts to warm up. During this period, male raccoons will actively search for a mate. If successful, the female raccoon will carry the offspring for approximately 63 days before giving birth to a litter of 3-7 kits.At birth, the kits are completely helpless, weighing only a few ounces and having a thin layer of fur. The kits rely heavily on their mother for warmth, protection, and nourishment in the early weeks of their life. To ensure the safety of the kits, the mother raccoon will keep them in a den, which can be located in a hollow tree, an abandoned burrow, or in a crawl space in a house.
As the kits grow, they become more active and venture out of the den, following their mother as she teaches them how to find food and explore their surroundings. After eight weeks, the kits become more self-sufficient, and their mother will gradually wean them off her milk.Raccoons are highly adaptable animals and can be found in both urban and rural environments, making them well-equipped to thrive in a variety of settings. As the kits mature, they will start to establish their own territories, typically around 9-12 months old. Once they reach maturity, they will begin to search for a mate of their own, continuing the cycle of life for future generations of raccoons.