How to Tell if a Raccoon is Pregnant

Contents

1 How to Tell if a Raccoon is Pregnant
2 Signs of Pregnancy in Raccoons
3 Testing for Pregnancy in Raccoons
4 Keeping Raccoons Safe and Healthy
5 Pro Tip
6 Frequently Asked Questions
7 How long is a raccoon’s gestation period?
8 What are the signs of pregnancy in raccoons?

Pregnant raccoons can be difficult to identify, as they don’t show any outward signs of pregnancy until the final weeks. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you determine if a raccoon is pregnant. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to tell if a raccoon is pregnant, and provide some tips for keeping raccoons safe and healthy.

Signs of Pregnancy in Raccoons

Raccoons typically have a gestation period of about 63 days. During the final weeks of pregnancy, you may be able to tell if a raccoon is pregnant by looking for certain physical signs. These include:

A larger abdomen
A noticeable increase in weight
Enlarged nipples
A change in behavior, such as increased aggression or lethargy

If you’re able to observe the raccoon in its natural habitat, you may also be able to tell if it’s pregnant by looking for signs of nesting behavior. Raccoons typically build a den in which to give birth and raise their young. If you see a raccoon gathering materials for a den, such as leaves, twigs, and grass, it’s likely that the animal is pregnant.

Testing for Pregnancy in Raccoons

If you’re unable to tell if a raccoon is pregnant by looking for physical signs or nesting behavior, you may need to have the animal tested. Veterinarians can perform a blood test to determine if a raccoon is pregnant. This test is typically done in the final weeks of pregnancy, when the hormones associated with pregnancy are most concentrated in the blood.

Keeping Raccoons Safe and Healthy

If you’re able to tell that a raccoon is pregnant, it’s important to take steps to ensure the animal’s safety and health. Raccoons are wild animals, and it’s best to leave them in their natural habitat. If you’re concerned about the safety of the raccoon or its young, you can contact a wildlife rehabilitation center for advice.

Pro Tip

If you find a raccoon in your yard or near your home, it’s best to leave it alone. Raccoons can become aggressive if they feel threatened, so it’s important to give them plenty of space.