The Virginia opossum, North America’s only native marsupial, is common in many suburban and rural environments. Recognizing the signs of this nocturnal animal often comes down to identifying its droppings, or scat. Learning the distinct physical characteristics of opossum feces is the clearest way to confirm their presence on your property. This guide provides a framework for identifying opossum scat and understanding the necessary safety measures associated with its discovery.
Physical Characteristics of Opossum Scat
Opossum droppings are generally large and cylindrical, frequently resembling the waste of a small dog. A typical piece of scat measures between one and three inches in length, with a diameter of approximately three-quarters of an inch. Opossum feces often have pointed or tapered ends, rather than blunt ends like other common wildlife droppings.
Fresh scat is usually dark brown to black with smooth sides. Due to the opossum’s omnivorous diet, the texture is often segmented or twisted, and you may find visible fragments of hair, insect exoskeletons, or seeds embedded within it. Older droppings may develop a white or yellowish mold growth, which aids in identification.
Common Locations for Opossum Droppings
Opossums are creatures of opportunity and do not typically use a single, centralized location for their waste, unlike some other animals. Instead, droppings are often found scattered along their established travel routes and near feeding areas. These paths commonly include areas under decks and porches, inside sheds or garages, and in dense vegetation.
Scat may also be found near potential food sources, such as around overturned garbage cans or beneath fruit trees. If an opossum takes up residence in an attic or wall void, droppings will accumulate in those secluded spaces.
Distinguishing Opossum Scat from Other Wildlife
Opossum droppings are most often confused with those of raccoons or foxes because of their similar size and omnivorous contents. The defining difference lies in the shape and deposition pattern. Opossum scat tends to be singular, often curls slightly, and has distinct tapered or pointed ends.
Raccoon droppings are typically shorter, chunkier, and have blunt ends, resembling a cigar. Raccoons are also known for establishing communal “latrines,” where they repeatedly deposit feces in a single, concentrated spot, such as on a log or a roof. Skunk scat is generally much smaller, rarely exceeding two inches in length, and often contains a higher concentration of undigested insect fragments.
Health and Safety Precautions
Coming into contact with any wild animal feces presents a potential health risk. Opossums can carry bacteria such as Salmonella and Leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through contact with the droppings. They can also shed parasitic organisms like Coccidia and Toxoplasma gondii in their feces, posing a risk to both humans and domestic pets.
When cleaning up opossum droppings, take proper precautions to avoid inhalation of fungal spores or bacteria. Always wear disposable gloves and a respirator mask. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry feces, as this can aerosolize harmful particles. Instead, lightly mist the area with a water and bleach solution or a commercial disinfectant before carefully scooping the waste into a sealed bag for disposal.