How long do raccoons live? These animals are very intelligent and adaptable, enabling them to survive in a wide variety of habitats, including cities. You would assume that these animals would live a very long time, considering their thriving population densities. However, the fact is that they actually have one of the shortest life spans of all the mammals found in North America. On average, raccoons live about two to three years in the wild.
In captivity, raccoons are provided with a safe place to live. They do not have to leave their den or venture out into harsh weather, and their environment is generally more conducive to healthy growth. While raccoons live for about the same length of time, their lifespans may differ slightly between male and female species. The following information will give you a better idea of the average lifespan of raccoons in the wild.
The raccoon lifecycle begins during the breeding season. Mating season takes place between February and March, and male raccoons leave their territories to find females. The female then gives birth to a litter of three to five babies, also known as kits. In some southern areas, breeding continues throughout the year. They may be as young as two months old. But their lifespan is often shortened because of human interference, climate changes, diseases, and predators.
As a nocturnal animal, raccoons need to build up fat reserves for the winter season. Raccoons can store up to 2.5 cm of fat on their backs by late fall. But raccoons in southern latitudes can survive the harsh winter months by eating grubs, insects, and earthworms from residential lawns. If you have a raccoon in your home, you can easily feed it!
Although raccoons are considered harmless to humans, they can carry a dangerous parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis. This parasite is highly infectious, and if infected, raccoons can infect humans. A person infected with this parasite may contract rabies. Raccoons can transmit leptospirosis and raccoon roundworm, which can be passed on through unintentionally ingesting microscopic roundworm eggs.
Raccoons are native to North America. They can be found in all states and parts of Canada and Mexico. They can also be found in the northernmost regions of South America. Their presence in the United States began in the 20th century, and their presence today spans countries such as Germany, Russia, and Japan. These animals can live for up to ten years, and their lifespans are largely determined by their habitat and food supply.
A raccoon’s head is pointed, and its ears are four to six centimeters long. Its body is roughly 80 centimeters long. Male raccoons are about 25 percent larger than females. They are heavier than their southern counterparts, and fall weights for adults can reach 28 kilograms in certain areas. They do not usually bite or scratch humans, but they are a nuisance to humans.
