A Closer Look at the Raccoons of Connecticut

I drive to work at 4am, and usually the only animals I see on the way to work are garbagemen and deer, but not today. I almost hit a pair of baby raccoons on 202 in Bantam, I swerved at the last second and missed, thankfully, but then I almost hit another raccoon in New Milford.

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Is this the most active time of year for Raccoons in Connecticut? Is this the time of year that they give birth? I did some research.

Here's What You Need to Know About the Raccoons of Connecticut

Raccoons are common in Connecticut, they are comfortable around humans, and they adapt well to their environment. You'll most likely encounter them in wooden areas near water, they make their dens in abandoned buildings, thick brush, tree stumps, or the home of animals that recently moved out.

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What do Raccoons eat? Almost anything, they're omnivores, so they'll eat your garbage as quick as they'll eat that lizard, fruit, or fish in the pond. According to ct.gov, Raccoons breed in Winter/Spring, give birth to an average of four cubs in April/May, and typically live 2-3 years in the wild, or up to 20 in captivity.

Although Raccoons are nocturnal, they do venture out in daytime hours, especially if they're hungry, or the cubs. In Connecticut, target Bluebird nests, Heron and Egrets. Raccoons are valued for their fur, and Connecticut's 2025 Raccoon hunting season ran from January 1-18. Don't feed them, you risk the spread of disease and, even worse, a family may find your shed or attic attractive.