Female Raccoons

Description

Female raccoons, also known as sows, are intelligent and resourceful animals. Typically, they weigh between 8 to 20 pounds and measure around 24 to 38 inches in length, including their bushy, ringed tails. Sows have a characteristic black “mask” across their eyes and dexterous front paws, which they use skillfully to forage and manipulate objects.

Female raccoons reach sexual maturity at about one year of age and usually give birth to a litter of 2 to 5 kits in the spring. They are attentive mothers, often fiercely protecting their young and teaching them essential survival skills. Sows create nests, often in tree hollows or abandoned buildings, to provide a safe environment for their offspring.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human food scraps. Female raccoons are highly adaptable, thriving in various environments, from forests to urban areas. They are primarily nocturnal, using their keen sense of touch and intelligence to navigate and forage at night.