Males often travel miles in search of a mate. After mating, the male remains with the female for about one week before leaving to seek another mate. The young are born in the spring and open their eyes when they are about 3 weeks old. At first, the mother carries them around by the napes of their necks, similarly to the way a cat carries its kittens, but she soon leads them on foraging expeditions. The young usually leave the den on their own in the fall.
Raccoons leave discarded crayfish remains near the shores of streams and ponds.
In or near cornfields they leave shredded cornhusks, scattered kernels, and gnawed cob ends. Predators Animals that prey on raccoons include bobcats, coyotes , and red wolves . Foxes and owls are a threat to young raccoons. However, the most prevalent causes of death for raccoons include automobiles, human hunters, diseases, and accidents. Lessons and activities Examine raccoon paws and paw prints.