Raccoons are common in urban and suburban areas, often venturing into human-occupied spaces. Encountering their droppings is not uncommon, and proper identification is important for home safety. Understanding the appearance of raccoon feces, their typical deposition sites, and potential health concerns helps individuals manage their surroundings and make informed decisions about cleanup and prevention.
Identifying Characteristics of Raccoon Feces
Raccoon feces appear tubular or log-shaped, often with blunt ends. They measure about 2 to 3 inches in length and 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter, resembling small dog droppings. Their color varies, frequently dark brown or black, reflecting the raccoon’s diverse diet.
A distinctive feature is the presence of undigested food particles. These can include visible remnants such as berries, seeds, corn kernels, insect exoskeletons, fur, or feathers. The consistency ranges from firm when fresh to crumbly when dry, and they often have a strong, musky odor.
Where Raccoons Establish Latrines
Raccoons create communal defecation sites called “latrines.” These can be found in various locations, indicating raccoon presence. Common outdoor sites include tree bases, fallen logs, large rocks, or fence lines.
Raccoons also establish latrines on raised areas like decks, patios, or roofs. Indoors or in sheltered outdoor spaces, these communal sites may be in attics, garages, sheds, or woodpiles. Discovering multiple piles of feces in these spots strongly indicates raccoon activity.
Potential Health Risks
Raccoon feces can carry several pathogens, most notably Baylisascaris procyonis, or raccoon roundworm. The eggs of this parasite are shed in feces and are highly resilient, becoming infectious after two to four weeks and surviving for years in the environment. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting these microscopic eggs, often through contact with contaminated soil or surfaces.
While rare, human infections can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including nausea, tiredness, loss of coordination, blindness, and in some cases, coma. Larvae from ingested eggs can migrate through tissues, potentially damaging the brain, eyes, or other organs. Other potential pathogens associated with raccoon feces include bacteria such as Leptospira and Giardia.
Safe Handling and Removal
When encountering raccoon feces, adopting specific safety protocols for cleanup is important. Begin by wearing protective gear, which should include disposable gloves, a properly fitted N95 respirator to prevent inhalation of airborne particles, and eye protection. Carefully scoop the feces using a shovel or an inverted plastic bag, taking care to avoid stirring up dust. Place the collected droppings into a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely, and then double-bag it before disposing of it in an outdoor trash bin that raccoons cannot access.
After removing the visible feces, the contaminated area requires thorough disinfection. Boiling water is highly effective for killing Baylisascaris roundworm eggs on hard, heat-tolerant surfaces like concrete or tools. For surfaces that cannot withstand boiling water, a 10% bleach solution can help dislodge eggs so they can be rinsed away, though bleach does not kill the eggs directly. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after cleanup, even after removing gloves, and consider laundering clothes worn during the process in hot water.