Increased Activity: If you hear loud thumping or scratching noises, particularly during the night, it may indicate a raccoon is present
Pregnant females are often more vocal, especially when they have kits (young raccoons) to care for. Their sounds can include growls, barks, and chattering noises from the babies
Nesting Materials: Pregnant raccoons will create nests in secure locations. Check for signs of nesting materials such as leaves, twigs, or torn insulation in your attic. Raccoons are resourceful and will use various materials to construct a warm nest.
Tracks and Scat: Look for tracks in dusty areas of your attic or around entry points. Raccoon tracks resemble small human footprints with five toes. Additionally, raccoon droppings are dark and cylindrical, often found in one area of the attic, indicating their presence.
Visible Signs of Milk Production: If you can observe the raccoon closely (without disturbing it), check for protruding nipples, which indicate that she is nursing young.
Timing: Raccoons typically breed in late winter to early spring, with gestation lasting about nine weeks. If you notice signs of raccoons in your attic during this time (February to April), it's likely that you are dealing with a pregnant female.
If you suspect that a pregnant raccoon is living in your attic, it is advisable to contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely and humanely, especially since mother raccoons can be aggressive when protecting their young.