Opossum Poop: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know

Although there are over 100 species in the Didelphidae family, only one species of opossum, the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), is native to the United States and Canada. As the only marsupial found north of Mexico, the Virginia opossum is a highly adaptable mammal that migrated from South America approximately three million years ago. Known for its prehensile tail, nocturnal habits, and an immune system that can neutralize snake venom and rabies, this solitary, opportunistic omnivore becomes active after sunset to forage for food, climb trees, and search for mates. They spend the night eating a varied diet of insects, fruits, and carrion. These nocturnal scavengers often leave behind distinct traces of their presence in the form of feces. Continue reading to discover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about opossum poop.

What Does Opossum Poop Look Like?

Opossum feces are often mistaken for small- to medium-sized dog poop. Their scat consists of dark brown to black, cylindrical logs. It is generally found in deposits of two to three pieces, often featuring tapered ends and a smooth surface texture. Individual logs are approximately 0.75 inches in diameter and between 1 and 3 inches long, with a firm consistency. Although fresh scat is darkly colored, it turns ashen gray as it ages.

Does Opossum Poop Smell?

Opossum poop is notoriously foul-smelling and is often described as having a pungent, intense ammonia odor. Because they often defecate and urinate simultaneously, their waste is typically moist and emits a strong, lingering scent. This odor is powerful enough to be a primary sign of an infestation in attics or under homes.

Where Do Opossums Poop?

Opossums are considered a latrine species, meaning they defecate in designated areas such as decks, crawl spaces, or attics. However, they may also drop waste along their frequent travel paths or wherever they happen to be feeding or resting.

Although opossums can control when and where they defecate, this ability wanes in high-stress situations. When an opossum feels extremely threatened, it enters a state of thanatosis, pretending to be dead, commonly known as playing possum. During this physiological response, opossums may defecate and urinate involuntarily. They also excrete a foul-smelling mucus from their anal glands to mimic the scent of a dead, rotting animal.

Is Opossum Poop Hazardous?

Opossum poop can carry dangerous pathogens, bacteria, and parasites, including Salmonella, Leptospira (which causes Leptospirosis), and occasionally Toxoplasma, which may pose health risks to humans and other mammals through direct contact or accidental ingestion.

Opossum poop can carry the protozoan Sarcocystis neurona, which causes Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM). Horses typically contract this illness by consuming food or water that has been tainted with Sarcocystis neurona-infected opossum feces.

Is Opossum Poop Useful?

Opossum poop is technically organic matter that can contribute nutrients to soil, but it is generally not considered useful for gardening due to significant health risks. Due to the high risk of contamination, it is best to treat opossum waste as hazardous and remove it carefully rather than utilizing it.