Raccoons, recognized by their masked faces and bushy tails, are common in urban and suburban environments. These adaptable creatures have successfully integrated into human-populated areas, often seeking food and shelter. A notable behavior is their consistent use of specific locations for waste disposal.
Raccoon Latrines Explained
Raccoons consistently use specific locations for defecation, creating communal latrines. These sites serve as a collective restroom for multiple raccoons within an area. A typical latrine appears as a collection of droppings of varying ages, accumulating over time. These communal sites can be found in diverse settings, including the base of trees, on fallen logs, large rocks, or elevated structures such as decks, patios, attics, or garages.
Why Raccoons Choose Specific Pooping Spots
Raccoons establish communal latrines for several ecological and social reasons. These designated spots function as a form of communication among raccoons, indicating territory and presence within an area. Feces contain chemical signals that can convey information about an individual’s breeding status, health, and social standing to other raccoons. This practice also offers hygiene, concentrating waste away from dens and foraging areas, which reduces pathogen spread. Repeated use of these locations reinforces their territorial claims, providing clear signals about the occupancy of the space.
Identifying Raccoon Droppings and Latrines
Recognizing raccoon droppings and latrines involves several key characteristics. Raccoon feces are typically dark, with a strong, musky odor, and their hue can vary depending on the animal’s diet. The droppings are generally tubular with blunt ends, measuring 2 to 3 inches long and 0.5 to 1.2 inches in diameter. A distinguishing feature is the visible presence of undigested food items like berries, seeds, nuts, or insect exoskeletons, reflecting their omnivorous diet. Latrines are identifiable by the clustered nature of these droppings, often with both fresh and older feces present.
Health Risks and Safe Cleanup
Raccoon latrines pose significant health risks due to Baylisascaris procyonis, commonly known as raccoon roundworm. This parasitic roundworm lives in raccoons’ intestines, shedding microscopic eggs in their feces. Humans can become infected by ingesting these eggs through contact with contaminated soil, water, or objects. While infections in humans are uncommon, they can lead to severe neurological damage. Symptoms may include nausea, tiredness, loss of coordination, liver enlargement, and blindness. In some severe cases, infection can result in coma or even death. Roundworm eggs are not immediately infectious, requiring 2 to 4 weeks to become infective, and can remain viable in soil for several years. Cleanup requires caution.
Personal Protective Equipment
Disposable gloves
N95-rated respirator (especially in confined spaces to prevent inhalation of dust or other pathogens)
Rubber boots or disposable booties
Long-sleeved clothing
Cleanup Procedure
To clean a latrine, lightly mist the area with water to prevent dust from becoming airborne. Carefully scoop feces and contaminated material into heavy-duty plastic bags, double-bagging for secure disposal. Most chemical disinfectants do not eliminate roundworm eggs; however, extreme heat will kill them. Hard, non-flammable surfaces like concrete can be treated with boiling water or a propane torch. Other surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Contaminated soil may need removal to a depth of 2 to 4 inches and disposal in a landfill. After cleanup, discard all disposable items. Thoroughly wash reusable equipment, hands, and clothing with hot, soapy water.