During a three-day photography trip to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic wetlands, I captured images of a mother raccoon and her young. I first spotted her foraging near the auto tour road where I had parked. The next day, I photographed her with her offspring.
I took these photos from my parked pickup, using a bean bag on the window to stabilize my camera and lens. This setup helped minimize vibrations and maintain sharp focus while photographing from a vehicle.
Gear and Settings Used
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 800mm f/11
- Aperture: f/11 (fixed)
- Shutter Speed: 1/500
- ISO: 5000 (auto)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Focal Length: 800mm
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Dates: June 9 and 12, 2021
Fascinating Facts About Mother Raccoons
Photographing this mother raccoon highlighted how nurturing and resourceful these animals are. Here are a few interesting details about their behavior:
- Dedicated Caregivers: A raccoon mother’s priority is the safety and well-being of her babies, even in challenging conditions. For example, raccoon mothers have been observed fiercely defending their kits from predators, sometimes risking injury to ensure their young can escape to safety.
- Large Families: They can have litters of up to six kits. Despite the demands of raising multiple offspring, raccoon mothers remain attentive and protective.
- Educators: These mothers teach essential survival skills, like climbing and foraging. These lessons ensure the kits can fend for themselves when the time comes.
- Unique Communication: Raccoon moms use a specific chirping sound to communicate with their kits. This helps them reunite if separated.
Final Thoughts
Observing and photographing wildlife like this mother raccoon gives insight into their incredible behavior. It’s a call to appreciate and protect the natural world, ensuring future generations can witness these moments too. It’s a reminder of how much effort goes into their survival, even in everyday moments.