Duration of Familial Bonds and Dispersal Patterns for Raccoons in South Texas

Families of raccoons (Procyon lotor) were monitored during 1990-1992 on the Welder Wildlife Refuge in south Texas to determine duration of familial bonds and patterns of natal dispersal and philopatry. Analysis of the pre-dispersal movements of 11 family units indicated family bonds often were maintained until juveniles' first mating season. Twelve of 13 radiocollared males dispersed or died before their second mating season, including eight that were known to be born on the study area, but all radiocollared females (n = 14) remained within natal areas. Related females maintained extensive spatial overlap, and some continued to den and travel together as adults.