Raccoons are interesting creatures that are often seen in wooded areas rummaging through garbage cans. People usually think of them as pests, but they can actually be quite cute, especially when they’re babies. If you’ve ever wondered what baby raccoons eat, the answer may surprise you.
Most people know that adult raccoons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. However, what many people don’t realize is that baby raccoons are mostly carnivores. In fact, studies have shown that up to 95% of a young raccoon’s diet consists of meat!
A baby raccoon’s diet consists mostly of insects, small vertebrates and invertebrates. Baby raccoons are born blind and deaf and are not able to fend for themselves. Their mother will continue to care for them until they are old enough to survive on their own, which is usually around 3 months of age.
Rescuing Baby Raccoons – How to feed and raise coon babies
What Can You Feed a Baby Raccoon?
Assuming you have a baby raccoon and not an adult, you can feed them:
-Kitten milk replacer
-Wet cat food
-Canned pumpkin
Can Baby Raccoons Survive Without Their Mother?
No, baby raccoons cannot survive without their mother. They are born blind and deaf and rely on her for warmth, food, and protection. Without her, they would quickly succumb to the elements or predators.
Even if they were to be rescued and cared for by humans, they would never be truly wild again and would always remain reliant on us for their survival.
What Does a Baby Raccoon Drink?
A baby raccoon will drink its mother’s milk for the first few months of life. After that, it will start to eat solid food and drink water.
What Should I Do If I Find a Baby Raccoon?
If you find a baby raccoon, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Mother raccoons are very protective of their young and will not hesitate to attack if they feel their offspring are in danger. If the baby is injured or orphaned, however, it may need your help.
Injured Baby Raccoon If you find an injured baby raccoon, the best thing to do is call your local wildlife rehabilitator. They will be able to properly care for the animal and give it a better chance at survival.
Orphaned Baby Raccoon If you find an orphaned baby raccoon, you can try to care for it yourself but it is important to note that this is a lot of work and should only be attempted if you are confident in your ability to do so. You will need to feed the animal multiple times per day (every 3-4 hours), keep it clean and warm, and provide it with plenty of stimulation as they would receive from their mother in the wild.
If at any point you feel like you are unable to care for the animal properly, contact a wildlife rehabilitation center near you as soon as possible.
Credit: getraccoonsout.com
How Big is a 3 Month Old Raccoon
A three-month-old raccoon is about the size of a house cat. It weighs approximately 4 to 5 pounds and is about 16 inches long, including its tail. Its fur is grayish brown with black streaks and its eyes are brown.
A three-month-old raccoon is still relatively helpless and relies on its mother for food and shelter.
Conclusion
Baby raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, fruits, and nuts. In the wild, their diet may also include garbage and pet food.
