This is especially the case when other raccoons, often males, pose a threat when approaching a female raccoon at her den. In general, raccoons are reported to scream in the face of danger. Raccoons Scream and Screech When in Danger However, this does not necessarily exclude the males from being able to do so as well. As such, it is safe to assume that the twittering and purring sounds are more likely to come from female raccoons. Their kits (usually between two and five) are born in the springtime. Raccoons usually mate during the late winter periods. It is even said that female raccoons drive the males away from their den when possible. Interesting fact: Male raccoons, also referred to as boars, have little to no role to play in bringing up their kits. This quicker response time indicates that they’re familiar with the sound the kit is making and aware that it is their own offspring. Experiments on the behavior and vocal abilities of female raccoons and their cubs have, for instance, showing that the kits answer faster and more frequently to the chittering sounds of their mother than raccoons tend to respond to the sounds of an unknown fellow raccoon. Yes, it’s true that mother raccoons will be able to identify their specific kits by their individual acoustic tone (aka, voice). Mother Raccoons Can Identify Their Kits by Their Voice After that, when the kits slowly grow into maturity (which takes about a month or so) and become more mobile, the frequency and intensity of sound start to gradually decrease. Pretty interestingly, the rate of sounds amongst the kits usually depends on the nestling period.Īt this point, the frequency of churrs usually starts to ramp up seriously. It is essential during this stage as the kits are born blind, gaining eye-sight only after a couple of weeks.įurthermore, it is specifically used when kits venture about their den or when the mother raccoon guides them safely towards a tasty spot for hunting and feeding purposes.

This form of communication and choice of sound is most frequently applied during the first few months of a youngling’s existence. The kits respond with a quiet churr (a vibrant or whirring noise) to reflect their satisfaction in comfort. It is often said that mothers may attempt to calm down their young by making a faint chittering, twittering or purring sound. Primarily used between a mother raccoon and her kits is the chittering, twittering, or chattering form of communication. Mother Raccoons Chitter to Calm Their KitsĪlthough not all the sounds that animals in the wild make are readily understood, some sounds do stand out as researchers have regularly observed them. Let us have a closer look at what raccoons shriek out and see if we can identify the occasions in which they tend to do so freely. This, in turn, explains why they might be seen or heard during the daytime, albeit rarely.Įerie as the noise at times might seem to be, some sounds are rather more distinct than others. However, as larger animals have been well driven out of urban environments, raccoons have become masters of city life – often living closely outside the city limits. Interesting fact: Raccoons are usually preyed upon by larger mammals such as wolves and bears. The bark and growl of a raccoon are just one of the many ways that raccoons communicate! However, what stands out for our nocturnal, agile rascals is their ability to make noise and quite a lot of noise as well.Īs a general rule, raccoons are said to make over 200 different kinds of sounds and noises – making them rather vocal when the need is present. When it comes to their chemical footprint, raccoons may communicate with others by leaving behind urine, feces, or another anal substance, all of which may serve as a territorial marking. At the same time, the same goes for their facial expressions – raccoons are even said to be wearing a facial mask, making them truly look like bandits. To some extent, all four of these techniques apply to our dexterous raccoon friends!įor instance, raccoons can use their tail as a visual cue to indicate a posture that raises attention. Indeed, most animals tend to express themselves either visually, auditory, chemically, or through touch.Īs to the depth of communication, it should be clear that we are talking about a practical exchange of basic emotions and warnings as to either attract a fellow animal or fend off potential danger ahead. When it comes to the communicative abilities observed in animals other than ourselves, it is generally said that most mammals can readily make use of four different ways to communicate in life. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Just to add – when you shop using links from Pest Pointers, we may earn affiliate commissions if you make a purchase.

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