Watch Out! Raccoon Breeding Season Has Arrived in Illinois

It's officially raccoon breeding season in Illinois, and I only know this because one moved in with me.

Okay, technically not with me, but there's one definitely living inside my walls.

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When springtime rolls around, raccoons are way more active and engage in breeding.  Female raccoons have anywhere from 2-4 pups in a litter anytime between March and June.  It's peak season, y'all.  Be on high alert!

Read More: How To Stop Squirrels From Digging In Your Yard During Spring

To keep their babies warm and safe, moms search for dark, tucked-away spots like attics, chimneys, garages, and between walls.

"You can find a raccoon in the wall, ceiling, attic, chimney, or garage as they look for homes in all the wrong places. Any spot in your house that is dark, warm, and less frequently accessed by you and your family can become a nesting place for raccoons." [critterstop]

In my neighborhood, we've had a "stray" raccoon who frequents my porch.  He doesn't bother anyone, just roams around when nobody is outside and minds its business.  Well, it's made its business my business now.

The last few weeks I've been hearing scratching noises coming from my enclosed back porch and after a few freakouts thinking someone was living between my walls—a mama raccoon has made herself at home inside my walls.

Young babies might not have enough strength to climb out of the wall cavities, so that could be what I'm also hearing as they climb up the wall and fall back to the bottom where the scratching is happening.

How to check and see if raccoons are living between your walls or you have a raccoon infestation

‍Knocking on the wall at the spot where the unusual sounds are heard is a good way to check how mobile the animal is. If only young ones are present, you will not be able to hear much movement. Also, raccoon babies can be easily recognized by their chattering noises. [critterstop]

After a few knocks, the raccoon started making noises.  So, naturally, I started making noises to match its tone.  And what do ya know?  The raccoon responded to my noises!  I guess I'm a coon whisperer now.

Anyway, if you think you hear stirring between your walls or think you have a raccoon infestation, contact pest control to come out and evaluate the situation.  Do NOT cut a hole in your wall by yourself, that's just asking for a raccoon to jump out and attack you!