Airports are high-risk environments where wildlife—especially raccoons—can cause severe operational issues and safety hazards with potentially catastrophic outcomes. This makes airport wildlife management a critical component of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

Electrical substations and power plants are uniquely attractive to raccoons due to their architecture. These facilities offer, secure, warm, and elevated structures that mimic optimal natural denning sites. Raccoons access the equipment using their exceptional climbing skills and athletic abilities to take advantage of the heat, shelter, and potential food sources found here.

Raccoon infestations in substations and power plants are not just a nuisance issue but a critical infrastructure risk. Even one determined raccoon can cause power outages, costly equipment damage, and pose a safety risk to workers and passersby. A raccoon infestation here is a potential catastrophic failure point for the regional power grid and demands a zero-tolerance mandate. Unlike residential scenarios, raccoon removal for power plants and substations must meet strict safety, compliance, and operational continuity standards.

You might wonder why raccoon breeding season is a topic in the midst of December? Well, now would be a really good time to double check around your home and ensure that no raccoons (or squirrels) can get in. Because they ARE thinking about breeding season and they WILL find a cozy spot to den and raise their offspring. And, that cozy spot will hopefully not be your attic!

Mating Behavior During Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoon Mating Seasons in Toronto

Raccoonmating or breeding typically occurs in the later part of winter - January and after - with females giving birth in the Spring time to the only litter per year. However, if the first litter doesn't survive or is not viable, the female may mate again and have a successful litter later in the summer. 'When is raccoon breeding season' often depends on the amount of daylight and temperatures. But let's look at the raccoon breeding cycle a bit more closely:

Raccoon Mating Habits & Courtship Rituals

Raccoon mating habits are not unlike those of many other mammals - including humans :) The males posture and compete for the right to mate - this may go as far as a physical fight. And, the females will observe the spectacle and choose their mate, usually the strongest male. Dominant, healthy males may breed several females. The actual mating involves an hour or so of foreplay and finally copulation and may be repeated for several days. You know.. just to be sure :)

Raccoon Gestation and Birth

Once the female has mated and is indeed pregnant, she will become solitaryand set out in search of a den to raise her offspring. A lone raccoon foraging and lingering around your home in late January or early February may very well be a pregnant female looking for a den. 

Gestation Period Details

Expectant mums have a 63 day (or, roughtly two months) gestation period before welcoming their litter into the world.

Typical Litter Size

Female raccoons will give birth to an average litter of 4 kits - although, litters can range from 1 to 7 little ones. Babies are born blind and deaf, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces. They are completely dependent on their mother's care for their first 3 weeks of life. As many as 50% of raccoon babies may not survive their first year of life. If separated from their mother early one, their chances are nil.

Signs of Raccoon Breeding Activity in Toronto

Increased Nighttime Activity

During the time of courtship and mating, you are more likely to see groups of raccoons. While raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, they will be more visible and more social and interactive with each other duing this time.

Raccoon Vocalizations During Mating Season

Raccoons are very vocal animals at all times, chitter chattering and conversing with each other - but even more so during mating season. You might hear a male raccoon letting out loud, screeching calls to get the attention of a fancied female raccoon, which may be answered by a softer, chirping sound coming from said female. These calls play a crucial role in their mating rituals and territorial behaviors.

Scent Marking during Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoons don't pee on trees, or distribute their excrement willy-nilly. In fact, raccoons are very clean animals, using designated latrine areas - and this doesn't change just because it's mating season. Instead, they will use their entire body to rub their scent on trees or structures and thus let others know who the master of this particular domain is.