Opossum Poop
Here are some of the risks associated with opossum droppings, also known as opossum poop, scat, feces, or excrement:
Bacterial contamination: Opossums can carry Salmonella, which can be present in their feces. Humans exposed to contaminated surfaces or accidentally ingesting material can develop gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Parasitic infections: Roundworms (Baylisascaris spp.) and hookworms may be present in opossum feces. These parasites can cause cutaneous or visceral larva migrans in humans, leading to skin irritation or, in severe cases, organ damage if larvae migrate internally. Protozoans, like Giardia, may also occasionally be transmitted, causing gastrointestinal upset.
Fungal exposure: Feces that accumulate in damp areas can promote fungal growth, including molds that produce spores. Inhalation of spores from contaminated areas may cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions.
Zoonotic pathogens: Opossums can act as vectors for leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through contact with urine or feces in soil or water. While less common, opossums may also harbor other zoonotic bacteria.
Secondary contamination: Opossum feces can attract insects and rodents, which may carry their own pathogens, increasing overall exposure risk in a contaminated area.
In gardens, yards, or crawl spaces, opossum feces may contaminate soil or surfaces, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of indirect human exposure.
What Do Opossum Droppings Look Like?
Correctly identifying opossum droppings allows you to determine whether opossums are present in an area, as opposed to other wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, or rodents. This is crucial because each species requires different control and exclusion methods; misidentification can lead to ineffective or inappropriate interventions. Here are some other reasons why it is important to be able to identify opossum droppings:
Health risk evaluation: Knowing that droppings are from opossums helps assess the specific zoonotic risks (bacterial, parasitic, fungal) associated with that species. This informs the level of protective equipment and disinfection protocols needed during cleanup.
Timing and extent of infestation: The size, quantity, and freshness of droppings can indicate how recently opossums have been active and how many individuals may be present. This helps prioritize immediate action versus ongoing monitoring.
Targeted exclusion strategies: Correct identification ensures you can implement species-specific exclusion methods, such as sealing gaps and removing attractants that specifically appeal to opossums (e.g., pet food, unsecured trash). Avoids unnecessary or illegal measures that may be harmful to non-target wildlife.
Identifying droppings correctly allows you to address the root cause of the infestation, rather than just cleaning feces. Understanding opossum behavior and preferred pathways helps in long-term prevention, reducing the likelihood of repeat contamination.
What Shape Are Opossum Droppings?
Opossum droppings are usually cylindrical with tapered ends, often resembling small, elongated tubes. They can appear slightly curved or twisted and sometimes show subtle constrictions along their length, giving a segmented look. Typically, droppings are deposited in small clusters along travel routes, near food sources, or in sheltered areas, rather than as solitary pieces.
Are Opossum Droppings Cylindrical?
Yes, opossum droppings are generally cylindrical in shape. They resemble small, elongated tubes. Their overall form is distinctly cylindrical, which helps distinguish them from the more pellet-like droppings of rodents or the wider, blunt droppings of raccoons and cats.
Are Opossum Droppings Tapered?
Yes, opossum droppings are typically tapered at one or both ends. This tapering is a characteristic feature that helps distinguish them from droppings of similar-sized animals like raccoons, which are usually blunt-ended. The tapered shape, combined with their cylindrical form, is a key identifying trait for field identification.
Are Opossum Droppings Segmented?
Opossum droppings can sometimes appear slightly segmented or constricted, but this is usually subtle rather than pronounced. The “segmented” look comes from natural variations in shape as the feces are formed and deposited, not true divisions like you might see in insect frass or some worm droppings. Opossum droppings are primarily cylindrical with tapered ends, and any segmentation is minor and irregular.
Are Opossum Droppings Curved?
Yes, opossum droppings are often slightly curved or gently twisted, though the degree of curvature can vary. They are not sharply bent or coiled like some other animals’ droppings; rather, the curve is usually subtle, following the natural passage through the intestines. Combined with their cylindrical shape and tapered ends, this gentle curvature helps in identifying them in the field.
What Size Are Opossum Droppings?
Opossum droppings typically range from ½ inch to 1½ inches in length and are about ¼ inch in diameter.
How Big Are Opossum Droppings?
Opossum droppings can vary in size depending on the individual’s age, diet, and health, but large adult opossums can produce droppings up to about 2 inches (5 cm) long and roughly ½ inch (1–1.5 cm) in diameter.
How Small Are Opossum Droppings?
Opossum droppings can be quite small, especially from juvenile or underweight individuals. They may measure as little as ½ inch (1.2 cm) in length and around ¼ inch (0.6 cm) in diameter.
What Color Are Opossum Droppings?
Opossum droppings are typically dark brown to black when fresh, reflecting their omnivorous diet that often includes fruit, insects, and small amounts of vegetation. As the droppings age and dry, they tend to fade to gray and may develop a crumbly texture. Occasionally, you may notice specks of lighter material, such as seeds or undigested insect parts, giving the droppings a slightly mottled appearance.
Are Opossum Droppings Brown?
Opossum droppings are brown when freshly deposited and the diet consists largely of plant material, insects, or mixed food sources that don’t produce very dark pigmentation. The brown color is most common in droppings that are not dominated by berries or other dark-colored fruits, which can make the feces appear black. Over time, as droppings dry and age, the brown may fade to gray or lighter shades.
Are Opossum Droppings Black?
Opossum droppings appear black when fresh and the animal has been eating a lot of dark-colored foods, especially berries, grapes, or other deeply pigmented fruits. The dark color reflects the pigments in the diet rather than a disease or abnormality. These droppings are usually moist and shiny when first deposited and may fade to dark brown or gray as they dry and age.
Are Opossum Droppings Gray?
Opossum droppings turn gray as they age and dry out. Fresh droppings are usually dark brown or black, but exposure to air, sunlight, and moisture loss causes them to lose color and become lighter and crumbly. Gray droppings are a sign that the feces are older and no longer fresh, which can help indicate how recently opossums have been active in an area.
Are Opossum Droppings Green?
Opossum droppings can appear green when the animal’s diet is high in vegetation, such as leafy greens, grass, or certain garden plants. The green color comes from chlorophyll in the plant material and is more noticeable when little or no dark-colored fruit is consumed. These droppings are usually fresh and may darken or fade as they age and dry, eventually turning brown or gray.
What Opossum Droppings Look Like
Texture: Fresh opossum droppings are generally soft and moist, sometimes slightly sticky. As they age, they become dry, crumbly, and brittle.
Contents: They often contain undigested food particles, such as seeds, fruit skins, insect parts, or small bone fragments, reflecting the opossum’s omnivorous diet.
Odor: Opossum feces typically have a mild, musky, or earthy smell compared with the stronger, more pungent odor of raccoon or dog feces.
Deposition pattern: Droppings are often found in small clusters or piles, rather than scattered individually, and may be placed along travel routes or near food sources.
Surface appearance: The surface may appear smooth to slightly segmented, with occasional slight cracks as the droppings dry.
They may stick to surfaces like wood, rocks, or leaves if moist, and may partially blend into mulch or soil as they age and crumble.
Where Are Opossum Droppings Found?
Opossum droppings are typically found in the areas they frequently travel and rest. Here are some of the places you're most likely to find opossum droppings:
Along travel routes and pathways: Opossums often leave droppings along the edges of fences, garden beds, and yard boundaries where they regularly move. These areas provide easy navigation and cover from predators.
Near food sources: Droppings are commonly found close to garbage bins, compost piles, fruit trees, bird feeders, and pet food that opossums access at night.
Under decks, porches, and sheds: Sheltered, quiet areas where opossums may rest or seek protection from weather are frequent sites for feces deposition.
In attics, crawl spaces, or garages: If opossums gain access indoors, their droppings may be left in dark, undisturbed areas, often alongside urine stains, tracks, or nesting material.
Around dens or nesting areas: Near hollow logs, brush piles, or abandoned structures that serve as temporary dens, droppings may accumulate in small clusters.
Garden beds and landscaping: Opossums searching for insects, grubs, or fallen fruit may leave droppings in flower beds, vegetable gardens, or mulched areas.
Near water sources: Areas like ponds, streams, or birdbaths that provide hydration or attract prey can also have droppings nearby.
Though there are risks associated with their presence, opossums are generally beneficial. Finding opossum droppings on your property, especially in or immediately next to your home, are a sign that opossums may be need to be removed. For a free inspection, or if you have any questions about our professional opossum control services, contact our team today!