Spring has arrived early in California; the fruit tree blossoms are already abundant, the birds are singing and raccoons are finding their multiple mates.

This beautiful raccoon will soon be a mama. My husband and I had the unique opportunity of watching her mate in the wild. I wondered how long it would take before her babies were born and learned it would be just nine short weeks. She will raise approximately 3 to 5 “kits” entirely on her own. The babies will be blind the first few days and deaf for the first three weeks, making them completely dependent on her. Immediately vocal, the infant may sound like a human baby if in distress. If confronted by danger, this mother raccoon will furiously protect her young. They will learn to forage for food with their mother and will remain with her through the first winter until they gradually leave. Their short lifespan is only 2 to 3 years in the wild but they can live up to 20 years in captivity, which makes me want to coax a few home with me!

I ask myself, what will I do in the next 9 weeks as spring gushes with growth. If this raccoon can be so prolific, then I certainly can too. I won’t be bringing any new babies into the world, but I am inspired to to go forth and bring new creative life into fruition!

See some wonderful raccoon videos on PBS. This one is the babies first night out.