Raccoons are a common sight in many residential and suburban areas, adapting well to human environments. Their presence often becomes noticeable through various signs, including their droppings. Identifying raccoon feces can provide homeowners with valuable information about wildlife activity on their property. Recognizing these signs helps in understanding the habits of these nocturnal visitors.
Key Features of Raccoon Droppings
Raccoon droppings appear dark, tubular, and have blunt or rounded ends. They measure between 2 to 3 inches in length and about 0.5 to 0.75 inches in diameter. The color of the droppings can vary, ranging from dark brown to black, depending on the raccoon’s recent diet.
The texture of raccoon feces is crumbly or segmented, and it contains visible undigested food particles. These remnants include seeds from berries, fruit skins, nuts, grains, or insect exoskeletons, reflecting the raccoon’s omnivorous diet. A distinct, musky or pungent odor can accompany these droppings.
Raccoons deposit their feces in communal sites called “latrines.” These latrines are found in locations like the base of trees, on logs, stumps, large rocks, or elevated structures such as decks and roofs. Accumulated droppings in a latrine indicate recurring raccoon activity.
Distinguishing from Other Wildlife
Differentiating raccoon droppings from those of other animals involves observing specific characteristics. Dog or coyote feces are larger and more uniform in shape, lacking the visible undigested food particles found in raccoon scat. While also tubular, coyote droppings can have tapered ends and contain fur or bone fragments, especially in winter.
Cat or bobcat droppings are segmented, often buried, and do not contain visible undigested food. Skunk droppings are smaller, about 1 to 2 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter, and may contain insect parts or seeds. Skunk feces have a strong, pungent odor, sometimes reminiscent of their spray. Opossum droppings are similar in size to raccoons but are smoother, with tapered ends, and may contain different food remnants like berries or insect parts. Opossums do not use communal latrines, scattering their droppings more randomly.
Fox droppings are twisted and pointed at one or both ends, containing fur and bone, especially from their prey. Squirrel and rat droppings are smaller and more pellet-like, distinct from the larger, tubular form of raccoon feces. Squirrel droppings are dark and the size of a grain of rice, while rat droppings are also small and tapered.
Risks and Safe Handling
Raccoon droppings pose health risks, mainly from Baylisascaris procyonis, raccoon roundworm. The microscopic eggs of this parasite are shed in raccoon feces and become infectious after 2-4 weeks in the environment, viable for years. Ingested eggs hatch into larvae that migrate through the body, potentially causing severe neurological disease, blindness, or organ damage. Children are susceptible to infection due to their tendency to put hands or objects into their mouths. Other pathogens like Salmonella or Giardia may also be present.
When cleaning up raccoon droppings, take precautions. Wearing protective gear, including disposable gloves, an N95 mask, and long-sleeved clothing, prevents exposure to the feces and airborne particles. Avoid stirring up dust by lightly misting the area with water before cleanup. Scoop droppings carefully using a shovel or inverted plastic bag, then double-bag and seal them before disposal in an outdoor trash bin.
Disinfect contaminated areas. For outdoor surfaces like concrete, boiling water or a propane torch kill roundworm eggs, as most chemicals are ineffective. For indoor areas, scrub surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water and then disinfect. After cleanup, wash hands and any exposed skin thoroughly with soap and warm water.
To deter raccoons, secure trash cans with tight lids, remove outdoor pet food, and eliminate other accessible food sources. Seal potential entry points to attics, sheds, and under decks to prevent raccoons from establishing new latrines.