Finding unexpected signs, such as droppings, often prompts understanding the behavior of local wildlife. The North American opossum, Didelphis virginiana, is a highly adaptable marsupial often encountered in urban and suburban environments due to its omnivorous diet and opportunistic sheltering habits. Identifying the source of animal waste is an initial step in managing its presence and maintaining a clean property. Knowing where it deposits waste helps property owners determine the level of intrusion and potential health risks.
Understanding Possum Defecation Habits
Opossums generally do not establish communal latrines, setting them apart from other urban wildlife like raccoons. These marsupials are largely nomadic and transient, rarely staying in the same den site for more than a few days. This frequent movement influences their waste deposition, which tends to be scattered rather than concentrated in a single spot.
The animal’s behavior is geared toward survival, making consistency in waste disposal a low priority. When droppings are found clustered together, it typically indicates a temporary, active den site or a frequently used feeding area. This concentration results from repeated visits to a safe location, not a deliberate effort to create a permanent bathroom area.
What Possum Droppings Look Like
Identifying opossum scat confirms the animal’s presence and distinguishes it from the waste of other animals, such as dogs or cats. The droppings are generally large and tubular, measuring about one to three inches in length with a diameter of approximately three-quarters of an inch. A distinguishing feature is that the feces often have tapered or pointed ends and can appear slightly curled or bent. The color is typically dark brown or black, and the surface is often smooth. Due to the opossum’s varied diet, the droppings frequently contain visible evidence of what they have consumed, such as undigested seeds, fruit skins, or small fragments of bone or insect exoskeletons.
Typical Areas for Waste Deposit
While opossums do not maintain fixed latrines, their droppings are predictably found in locations that offer security or food. Areas near temporary den sites are common spots, including inside sheds, under porches, within woodpiles, or in attics or crawl spaces. Concentrated waste in these sheltered locations suggests the animal has found a safe, temporary home. Waste is also frequently deposited along established travel paths and near food sources the opossum visits regularly, such as around overturned garbage cans, under fruit trees, or near outdoor pet feeding stations. Finding scat in these spots indicates a frequent foraging route rather than a designated toilet area.
Safety Concerns Regarding Possum Scat
Handling opossum scat requires caution due to the potential presence of various pathogens that can pose a risk to humans and domestic animals. One noted concern is the parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which is shed in the opossum’s feces. This protozoan causes Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), a serious neurological disease in horses. Droppings can also harbor bacteria such as Salmonella and Leptospirosis, which cause illness if ingested or if they contaminate water sources. Parasitic worms may also be present.
When cleaning up, wear disposable gloves and a respirator mask to prevent inhalation of aerosolized particles. The contaminated material should be double-bagged and sealed before disposal with regular trash to prevent further spread. After removing the solid waste, the area must be thoroughly disinfected with a commercial cleaner or a solution of bleach and water to neutralize lingering pathogens and bacteria. These precautions minimize the risk of exposure and ensure a safer environment.