Comprehensive Guide to Possum Poop Images and Identification

An unglamorous but necessary guide about possum poop images for anyone tired of guessing what's lurking in their attic

Let’s be honest — nobody wakes up hoping to spend their morning inspecting turds. But here you are, staring at some suspicious droppings in the yard or behind your toolbox in the garage. Too big for mice, too odd for dogs… and now you’re scrolling through possum poop images online with a mix of dread and morbid curiosity.

If that sounds like your situation, take a breath. This guide is your walk-through — from identifying possum feces to getting rid of it safely, and (more importantly) keeping those sneaky marsupials from making a comeback.

Why Bother Identifying Possum Poop?

Because this isn’t just a case of “ew.” Possum droppings can be more than a smelly inconvenience — they can actually be hazardous. These critters may look slow and harmless, but their poop can carry nasty stuff like:

• Leptospirosis
  
• Salmonella
  
• Parasitic roundworms (yes, even if you never see the possum)
  

So whether it’s your shed, attic, or garden path, spotting these droppings early can help you stop a minor wildlife visit from turning into a costly infestation.

What Does Possum Poop Look Like?

Possum droppings have a few telltale traits. If you’ve never seen them before (or even if you think you have), here’s what to watch for:

• Color: Usually a dark brown to black, though it can shift slightly depending on diet.
  
• Size: Generally between 1 and 3 inches long, about ¼ to ½ inch in width.
  
• Shape: Cylindrical, sometimes slightly twisted, with one or both ends tapered.
  
• Texture: Fresh poop looks moist and shiny. As it dries, it becomes dull, crumbly, and easier to overlook — until you step in it.
  

You might also find bits of undigested food like berry skins, seeds, or insect parts. Possums aren’t picky eaters, and their digestion shows it.

Need a visual? A quick online search for “possum poop images” can help confirm what you're dealing with — just maybe not right before lunch.

Possum Poop vs. Other Droppings

Animal droppings are a bit like bad handwriting — easy to confuse if you’re not familiar. Here's how to tell possum poop apart from other backyard suspects:

Rat Poop

Much smaller (¼ inch or less), shiny, and pointed at both ends. Rats also drop their waste like confetti — small pellets scattered everywhere.

Raccoon Poop

Bigger and thicker. You’ll often see undigested food like seeds or corn, and raccoons tend to pick one "toilet" spot and stick to it. Possum poop is more solitary.

Dog Poop

You probably know this one already. Dog waste is softer, rounder, and much smellier. It also tends to appear in more predictable places (like your lawn after breakfast).

Where Possums Like to Poop

Possums aren’t exactly courteous guests. They leave their messes wherever they sleep, eat, or pass through regularly. Typical possum poop hotspots include:

• Under porches or decks
  
• Inside attics or crawl spaces
  
• Around fruit trees, gardens, or compost bins
  
• Behind garages or sheds
  
• Near trash cans or leftover pet food
  

If you’re spotting poop in any of these zones, it’s a good bet a possum is lurking nearby — or already set up shop.

Hidden Health Risks

Let’s dig into the stuff most people try not to think about.

• Leptospirosis: Transmitted through urine and feces. It starts with flu-like symptoms and, if untreated, can affect the liver or kidneys.
  
• Salmonella: Especially dangerous if droppings get tracked indoors. Can cause serious gastrointestinal illness.
  
• Roundworms: Though raccoons are the usual suspects, possums have been known to carry similar parasites — a major risk to pets and kids.
  

Bottom line? Always treat possum poop as potentially infectious. Skip the DIY heroics unless you're doing it right.

How to Clean Possum Droppings (Without Regret)

Protect yourself like you’re dealing with something radioactive — because, well, you sort of are. Here’s your cleanup checklist:

1. Suit up: Gloves, face mask, and eye protection.
   
2. Pre-spray: Soak the droppings in a disinfectant (like diluted bleach: 1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill bacteria before disturbing it.
   
3. Scoop it up: Use a shovel or paper towels. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming — that just sends particles airborne.
   
4. Double-bag it: Place in sealed trash bags and toss in an outdoor bin.
   
5. Disinfect again: Scrub down the area where the droppings were with a strong cleaner.
   
6. Wash up thoroughly: Hands, tools, shoes, everything.
   

Yes, it’s tedious. But it’s better than risking a trip to the ER over possum poop.

How to Keep Possums from Coming Back

Once the mess is gone, it’s time to send a clear “No Vacancy” sign to any curious marsupials.

• Seal up entry points: Walk the perimeter of your home and plug any holes, vents, or gaps wider than a few inches.
  
• Lock up your trash: Use cans with tight-fitting lids and don’t leave garbage bags out overnight.
  
• Remove temptations: Pick up fallen fruit, secure compost bins, and bring pet food indoors.
  
• Add deterrents: Motion lights, ultrasonic repellents, or even sprinkler sensors can make your property less appealing.
  
• Consider fencing: A mesh barrier (buried at least 6 inches deep) can keep possums from digging under to access gardens or crawlspaces.
  

Still Seeing Droppings? Time to Call the Experts

If you’ve cleaned, sealed, and double-checked your property, and those droppings keep showing up like clockwork, it’s time to call in the pros.

Critter Stop specializes in humane wildlife removal — including possums. They’ll not only evict the animals safely but also clean up the mess and make sure they don’t come back.

Call Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616
Or head to their website for a free inspection and expert help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find possum poop images to compare?

Wildlife control companies, academic sites, and extension programs often share clear, side-by-side photos. You can also check Critter Stop’s educational resources for examples.

How do I tell possum poop from raccoon poop?

Raccoon droppings are usually thicker, more segmented, and found in clusters. Possum droppings are slimmer, twisted, and more randomly scattered.

Is possum poop always dark in color?

Usually, but diet affects color. Lots of fruit or plant matter can lighten the shade a bit. Dark brown to black is the most common.

Does possum poop have a strong smell?

It’s musky and earthy — not quite as foul as dog poop, but strong enough that you’ll know something’s not right if it’s indoors.

Can it make my pets sick?

Yes. Dogs are especially at risk if they eat or sniff contaminated areas. Always clean thoroughly and monitor your pets around wildlife hotspots.

How do I keep possums from returning?

Eliminate food sources, close off hiding spots, and seal entry points. For stubborn cases, professional exclusion work may be needed.

One Last Thought

Dealing with possum poop isn’t exactly fun dinner table conversation — but ignoring it won’t make it go away. A little early action (and the right info) can save you from major health risks and expensive repairs.

And if it all starts to feel overwhelming? You don’t have to go it alone.