Opossums are common nocturnal animals, and their presence is often detected by distinctive tracks. Careful observation of these tracks offers insights into the animal’s movements and habits. Recognizing possum footprints helps in understanding the local wildlife population.
Unique Features of Possum Tracks
Possum tracks are recognizable due to their unique foot structure, particularly the hind paws. The front paws show five toes, though sometimes only four are clearly visible, and are around two inches in diameter, appearing somewhat circular. These front prints often resemble a miniature human hand, with five slender toes and visible claw marks used for climbing and foraging. The overall shape of the front print can appear splayed, described as a small star.
The hind paws are the most distinctive feature, often resembling a child’s handprint. While also having five toes, the innermost toe, or hallux, is opposable and thumb-like, splaying significantly away from the other four. This opposable digit lacks a claw, which distinguishes it, providing the opossum with excellent gripping ability for climbing. Hind tracks are larger than front tracks, measuring about 2.5 to 3 inches long, and can appear slightly asymmetrical due to the splayed thumb.
Possum prints lack clear heel pads, and the toes are spread out, creating a unique pattern. Their walking pattern results in the hind foot landing slightly ahead of or on top of the front foot’s impression. This overlapping can make the track sequence appear jumbled or like a “hot mess of toes.”
Differentiating Possum Tracks
Focusing on unique features helps distinguish possum tracks from other animals. Raccoon tracks, while also showing five toes on both front and hind feet, have longer, more slender fingers that point forward, and their claw marks are prominent. Unlike possums, raccoons lack the distinctive opposable thumb on their hind feet, and their walking pattern shows a more elongated, alternating sequence.
Comparing to domestic cats and dogs reveals clear differences. Cats have four toes visible in their prints and retractable claws, meaning claw marks are rarely seen. Dog tracks also show four toes but have prominent, non-retractable claw marks, and their prints are more oval-shaped. Neither cats nor dogs possess the opposable thumb found on a possum’s hind foot.
Skunk and fox tracks are distinct from possum prints. Skunks have five toes on both front and hind feet, but their toes are shorter and their prints show claw marks. Fox tracks, belonging to the canine family, show four toes with claw marks and are more oval or rounded in shape, lacking the splayed, thumb-like hind foot of the possum.
Common Possum Tracking Habits
Possums are nocturnal, making early morning the best time to find their tracks. They leave tracks in soft substrates such as mud, fine soil, or snow, particularly near water sources like creeks or lakes. These animals are found in residential areas, gardens, along fences, under bushes, or near trash cans, as they are opportunistic foragers.
Their movement is characterized by a shuffling or waddling gait, which results in their tracks being close together or overlapping. This waddling motion also creates a staggered or zigzag pattern in their trail. Another indicator of a possum’s presence is the drag mark left by their long, prehensile tail, especially visible in soft ground conditions like snow or mud.
Other signs of possum activity include disturbed trash cans or scattered pet food, as they are scavengers. Their droppings, 1 to 3 inches long with tapered ends, are found in protected, secluded areas or along common trails. These droppings contain undigested food particles like seeds or insect shells, reflecting their varied diet.