Raccoons typically stay with their mothers for about one year, from birth until they are ready to leave the den and establish their own territories.

Raccoon babies are born in the spring and are typically weaned from their mother's milk after about two months. However, they will continue to live with their mother and siblings in the den for several more months, until they are ready to leave and establish their own territories.

During this time, the mother raccoon will provide her babies with food, shelter, and protection. She will also teach them important skills, such as foraging for food and climbing trees. The young raccoons will learn from their mother and will also play and explore their surroundings together.

As the young raccoons grow and develop, they will become more independent and will start to venture further from the den. Eventually, they will leave the den permanently and will establish their own territories, where they will live and raise their own young.

Overall, raccoons typically stay with their mothers for about one year, from birth until they are ready to leave the den and establish their own territories. The mother raccoon plays a crucial role in the kits' development, teaching them important skills and providing them with food, shelter, and protection.

At three months old, raccoon kits (baby raccoons) are starting to grow and develop into young adults. 

At three months old, raccoon kits are starting to outgrow their mother and are beginning to explore their surroundings more. They will typically weigh around 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) at this age and will have a full set of teeth, including their sharp, curved incisors.

Raccoon kits at three months old are also starting to develop their cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. They will play with each other and their mother, and may even start to learn how to climb trees or other objects.

At this age, raccoon kits are also starting to become more independent and will start to venture further from their den. They may start to explore their surroundings and may even start to forage for food on their own. However, they will still rely on their mother for protection and support.

Overall, at three months old, raccoon kits are growing and developing into young adults. They are starting to develop their cognitive skills and become more independent, but will still rely on their mother for protection and support.

Raccoons at two months old are typically still dependent on their mother for food, shelter, and protection. Raccoons are small, nocturnal mammals that are native to North and South America. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a black mask, a bushy tail, and front paws that are adapted for grasping and manipulating objects.

At two months old, raccoon kits (baby raccoons) are still quite small and weigh only a few pounds. They have developed their front paws and are starting to use them to explore their surroundings and manipulate objects. However, they are still dependent on their mother for food, as they are not yet able to hunt or forage on their own.

Raccoon kits at two months old are also still living with their mother in a den, which provides them with shelter and protection. The den is typically a dark, enclosed space, such as in an attic or chimney and is chosen by the mother raccoon for its safety and accessibility. The den is also used as a nursery, where the kits can grow and develop without being disturbed by predators.

Overall, raccoons at two months old are still dependent on their mother for food, shelter, and protection. They are beginning to explore and develop their skills, but are not yet able to survive on their own.

The first 30 days of a baby raccoon's life are a crucial and fascinating time. During this period, the tiny animals, also known as kits, undergo incredible transformations as they grow and develop into the familiar masked creatures we know and love.

When they are first born, baby raccoons are blind, deaf, and completely dependent on their mothers for survival. They are also extremely small, weighing only about 4-5 ounces at birth. Despite their size, the kits are full of energy and have a natural curiosity that leads them to explore their surroundings and start to learn about the world around them.

During the first couple weeks of life, the kits spend most of their time nursing and sleeping. Their mother carefully cares for them, keeping them warm and protected in a den or nest.

By 3 weeks of age (21 days), the kits begin to develop their senses of sight and hearing, and they start to become more active. They may start to venture outside the den, venturing a few feet from their mother to explore and play.and they start to become more mobile. They will begin to crawl and climb, and their playfulness and curiosity increase. The kits may start to venture further from their mother, exploring their surroundings and investigating objects they encounter. They may also start to vocalize, making chirping or chattering sounds as they play and interact with their siblings.

During the fourth-fifth week of life, the kits start to develop their distinctive raccoon markings. Their characteristic mask and ringed tail start to appear, and their fur begins to grow thicker and fuller. The kits also start to develop their teeth and claws during this period, and they will start to use them to explore and play.

By the sixth week, the kits will start to explore and play outside the den. By this time, the kits have grown significantly and are starting to look more like adult raccoons. Their movements are more coordinated, and they start to climb and explore with increasing agility. They may start to venture further from their den, and their playfulness and curiosity continue to increase.

The kits start to eat solid food for the first time. They may start to nibble on bits of food that their mother brings back to the den, and they may also start to venture out and forage for food on their own. At this stage, they are still dependent on their mother for milk, but they are starting to become more independent and self-sufficient.

By the end of two months of life, baby raccoons have undergone incredible changes. They have gone from tiny, blind, and helpless newborns to active, curious, and independent young animals. They have developed their senses, grown in size, and started to explore and learn about their surroundings. The first 2 months of a baby raccoon's life are truly a remarkable and fascinating time.

As the weather begins to warm up and spring approaches, many residents of Vancouver may start to notice an influx of beautiful robins in their gardens and parks. These beloved birds are a common sight in the city, and their cheerful songs and vibrant red breast feathers add a splash of color to the urban landscape.

But did you know that the robins that call Vancouver home are protected by law? The Migratory Birds Convention Act, which was signed into law in 1917, makes it illegal to hunt, capture, or harm migratory birds, their eggs, or their nests. This means that it is illegal to disturb or remove a robin's eggs, even if they are found in your own backyard.

So what should you do if you come across a robin's nest in your yard? The best course of action is to leave the nest undisturbed and give the robins the space they need to raise their young. If the nest is in a location where it may be disturbed by humans or other animals, you can carefully move it to a safer location nearby. Just be sure not to touch the eggs or the chicks, as this can cause harm to the birds.

It's important to remember that our actions can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of Vancouver's wildlife, and protecting robins and their eggs is just one way we can help ensure their continued success in the city. By respecting the law and giving these beautiful birds the space they need, we can all play a part in preserving the rich biodiversity of Vancouver.

The majority of people believe that trapping and relocating wildlife is a good solution to the problem of "nuisance wildlife." They think that if the offending animal is trapped and relocated and the number of animals in the area is reduced, the problem will go away. However, this is not the case.

When an animal is removed from an area, it creates a vacancy that other animals in the area can take advantage of by moving in and accessing the existing food and shelter. This means that there is no overall reduction in the number of animals in the long run, and trapping and relocation is ineffective and a waste of money.

Despite this, some operators are capitalizing on people's belief in trapping and relocating as a solution, causing a resurgence in the use of this inhumane practice.

Why are we ignoring the arguments against trapping and relocating wildlife, which have been shown to be inhumane, not scientifically sound, and not a long-term solution?

• Trapping creates orphans by separating a mother animal from her dependent offspring.
• Wildlife will do anything to escape from a trap, often causing serious self-injury or death.
• Relocating wildlife away from their known food sources and shelter causes stress and starvation.
• Studies have shown that trapped animals can die of stress-related causes even days after being released.
• Releasing an animal into the territory of another animal can result in territorial fights over food and shelter.
• Transferring a sick animal into a population of healthy animals spreads infectious diseases.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and inadequate monitoring of traps while animals are confined can kill the animal.

We urge you to speak out against the inhumane use of traps as a means of wildlife control.

Groundhog Day is a popular annual event. It is held on February 2nd and is based on the belief that if a groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks. However, if the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

At AAA Wildlife, we take this tradition very seriously. Every year, we carefully monitor our resident groundhog, Van Isle Violet, to see if she will predict an early spring or a prolonged winter. This year, she was feeling particularly frisky and was eager to make her prediction and get back to bed.

As soon as the clock struck 8:00 AM, she emerged from his burrow and began to look around. The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly, casting a long shadow on the ground. Van Isle Violet saw her shadow and, according to tradition, predicted six more weeks of winter.

But don't worry, there's still hope for an early spring. She has been known to be a bit of a rebel and has been known to defy tradition from time to time. So, even though she saw his shadow this year, there's a chance that she might change his mind and bring an early spring after all.

In the meantime, bundle up and enjoy the rest of winter!

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a type of rodent that is native to North America. These burrowing animals are well-known for their role in the annual tradition of Groundhog Day, where their behavior is used to predict the arrival of spring. But did you know that there's more to these critters than just their ability to predict the weather? 

Here are some interesting facts about groundhogs:

• Groundhogs are excellent diggers. They have powerful legs and sharp claws that they use to dig burrows that can be up to 30 feet long and 6 feet deep. These burrows provide the groundhogs with a safe and warm place to live and raise their young.
• Groundhogs are true hibernators. In the winter, they will curl up in their burrows and sleep for several months at a time. During this time, their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing rate all decrease, and they do not eat or drink. This helps them conserve energy and survive the cold winter months.
• Groundhogs are vegetarians. They mostly eat grasses, wildflowers, and other plants. They will also eat fruit and vegetables if they are available.
• Groundhogs are not solitary animals. They are social creatures and will often share their burrows with other groundhogs. In the summer, they may even form large colonies with dozens of individuals.
• Groundhogs have excellent eyesight and hearing. They use these senses to detect potential predators and to find food. They are also good climbers and swimmers.
• Groundhogs are an important food source for many animals, including foxes, coyotes, and birds of prey.

Overall, groundhogs are fascinating animals with a unique set of skills and adaptations. So, the next time you see one of these critters, take a moment to appreciate all that they have to offer.

Groundhog Day is a popular annual event that is held on February 2nd and is based on the belief that if a groundhog (also known as a woodchuck) emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks. However, if the groundhog does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.

But where did this strange tradition come from, you might ask? Well, the origins of Groundhog Day are shrouded in mystery, but there are a few theories floating around.

One theory is that the tradition originated with ancient pagan celebrations of the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It was believed that this time of year was a sort of "crossroads" where the weather could go either way. To predict the weather, people would look to the behavior of animals, and the groundhog was chosen because of its burrowing habits.

Another theory is that the tradition originated with German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries. In Germany, there is a similar tradition called "Candlemas" that is celebrated on February 2nd. According to this tradition, if the weather is cloudy on Candlemas, spring will arrive early. The German immigrants in Pennsylvania may have adapted this tradition to use the groundhog as a weather predictor.

No matter where the tradition came from, one thing is for sure: Groundhog Day is a time-honored tradition that brings people together to celebrate the changing seasons. And, at AAA Wildlife, we take it very seriously (just ask Van Isle Violet, our resident groundhog). So, whether you're a believer in the power of the groundhog or not, we hope you enjoy this fun and unique holiday!

Raccoon droppings can pose a serious health risk to pets, and it is important to take steps to prevent exposure. Here are some dangers of raccoon droppings for pets:

1. Raccoon droppings can contain a variety of diseases: Raccoon droppings can harbor bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness in pets. Some of the diseases that can be transmitted through raccoon droppings include raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, and salmonella.
2. Raccoon droppings can be inhaled or ingested: When pets are outside, they may come into contact with raccoon droppings and accidentally inhale or ingest them. This can lead to infection, as the diseases can enter the body through the respiratory or digestive system.
3. Raccoon droppings can contaminate food and water: If raccoon droppings are present in an area where pets are fed or watered, they can contaminate the food and water, leading to potential exposure.
4. Raccoon droppings can cause allergic reactions: In some cases, pets may have an allergic reaction to raccoon droppings, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

If you are concerned about your pet coming into contact with raccoon droppings, there are several steps that you can take to prevent exposure. Here are some tips to prevent pets from coming into contact with raccoon droppings:

1. Keep pets indoors: The best way to prevent pets from coming into contact with raccoon droppings is to keep them indoors. This will prevent them from wandering into areas where raccoons are present, and will also prevent raccoons from entering your home and leaving droppings inside.
2. Clean up droppings immediately: If you do find raccoon droppings on your property, it is important to clean them up immediately. Wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself, and use a disinfectant to kill any bacteria or parasites that may be present.
3. Keep trash securely stored: Raccoons are attracted to food, so it is important to keep trash securely stored to prevent them from coming into your yard. Use sturdy, lidded trash cans and store them in a secure location, such as a shed or garage.

In conclusion, raccoon droppings can pose a serious health risk to pets. They can contain diseases that can be transmitted through inhalation or ingestion, and they can also contaminate food and water. It is important to take steps to prevent pets from coming into contact with raccoon droppings.