The dataset contains a description of raccoon natal dens used to characterize selected aspects of raccoon reproductive biology in wetlands habitats of the Warta Mouth National Park. In total 14 natal dens were found in 2025 and 2026. The following measurements of the occupied natal dens were taken: tree species, circumference at breast height (130 cm), entrance height, entrance dimensions, depth, and type of den lining. The distance to the nearest natal den located in the same suitable habitat patch was measured. Litter size was determined, when possible, by direct counting of cubs in the hollow and/or by recording the number of offspring leaving the natal den on the video recordings from camera traps. In cases of uncertainty, if the number of observed cubs was representing a whole litter, the minimal number of offspring was provided.
The dataset contains the following columns:
ID - ID number of natal den
Occupancy - year of occupancy
Tree_sp - species of the den tree
CBH - circumference at breast height (measured at a height of 130 cm above the ground) in centimeters
Height - height of the den entrance above ground level in centimeters
Depth - depth of the den in centimeters
Dimensions - dimensions of the den entrance in centimeters
Shape - shape of the den entrance (oval/circular/triangular/open from the top)
Lining - type of the den lining
Distance - distance to the nearest birth site within the same habitat patch
N_cubs - number of cubs found in the natal den; in the case of two litters in the same den, the year corresponding to the given litter size is provided in parentheses