When they are ten weeks old, the babies leave the den and start following their mother around and learning to hunt. They will stay near her until the fall, when they set out on their own. In the north, where it gets very cold, the babies may stay with their mother over the winter. Raccoons can catch diseases like rabies and distemper which make them act very strangely. If a raccoon does this, it is may be sick, and a grown-up should be told.
People can catch rabies if they are bitten.
If you get bitten, you can get shots to stop you from getting the disease. Shots may not feel too good, but they're definitely better than getting the disease and dying. You look very tall and dangerous to a wild animal. It may bite you because it is scared. Complete Guide to Game Animals .