Finding mysterious droppings in your yard or attic might have you wondering what kind of wildlife has been visiting. As a wildlife removal specialist with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen countless examples of raccoon droppings, and they’re pretty distinctive once you know what to look for.

Physical Characteristics of Raccoon Droppings

Raccoon scat typically appears dark brown to nearly black in color. The droppings are tubular in shape and usually measure between 2-3 inches long, with blunt ends that might look slightly broken or crumbly.

What really sets raccoon feces apart from other wildlife droppings is the visible content. These clever omnivores aren’t particularly efficient digesters, which means their droppings often contain easily identifiable food particles.

You might spot berry seeds, corn kernels, or other undigested matter in their excrement. During certain seasons, their droppings might appear darker or more reddish when they’re eating lots of berries or fruits.

Location Patterns and Latrine Sites

One of the most telling signs of raccoon activity is their use of communal latrine sites. These animals are surprisingly organized about their bathroom habits (unlike many other wildlife species we deal with at Woodlands Wildlife Elimination).

Raccoons typically choose elevated areas for their latrines, such as:

Flat portions of roofs
Tree forks
Large horizontal branches
Woodpiles
Decks
Attic spaces

A single raccoon latrine might contain 20 or more droppings. They’ll return to these sites repeatedly, which can create significant accumulation over time.

Health Risks Associated with Raccoon Droppings

This isn’t just about identifying wildlife – it’s about protecting your health. Raccoon feces can harbor dangerous parasites, most notably raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).

The eggs of this parasite can survive in the environment for years. They become infectious after 2-4 weeks of being deposited, and standard household cleaners won’t kill them.

When we respond to raccoon-related calls, we often find that homeowners have unknowingly been living with contaminated areas for months. This creates serious health risks, particularly for young children who might come into contact with soil or surfaces where droppings have been.

Proper Identification vs. Other Wildlife

People sometimes confuse raccoon droppings with those of other animals. Dog feces might look similar in size, but they don’t typically contain visible food particles like raccoon scat does.

Cat droppings are usually smaller and more segmented. Opossum droppings might contain similar food particles but are typically smaller and more pointed at the ends.

Professional Removal and Cleanup

If you’ve identified raccoon droppings on your property, don’t try to clean them up yourself. At Woodlands Wildlife Elimination, we use specialized equipment and follow strict protocols for raccoon latrine removal.

The cleanup process typically involves:

Using proper protective equipment (respirators, suits, gloves)
Careful removal of all contaminated material
Special disposal methods to prevent spread of parasites
Thorough decontamination of the area
Application of appropriate disinfectants

Prevention Strategies

After dealing with many raccoon cases, I’ve learned a few effective prevention methods.

Secure your trash cans with heavy-duty straps or bungee cords. Those simple twist-on lids won’t stop a determined raccoon.

Remove potential food sources around your property. This includes pet food, fallen fruit, and accessible compost.

Install motion-activated lights near potential entry points. Raccoons prefer to work in darkness.

Seal off potential den sites. Check your roof for loose shingles or holes, and make sure your chimney is properly capped.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re finding raccoon droppings around your property, it’s best to contact a raccoon removal specialist. At Woodlands Wildlife Elimination, we not only remove the immediate problem but also help prevent future issues through habitat modification and exclusion techniques.

The presence of raccoon droppings often indicates a larger problem. These animals are creatures of habit – if they’ve chosen your property as a latrine site, they’re probably also using it for other activities like denning or feeding.

Remember, proper identification of wildlife droppings isn’t just about curiosity – it’s about protecting your health and property. While raccoons might seem cute, their waste can pose serious health risks that require professional attention.