Raccoon poop is tube-shaped, about 2 to 3 inches long and roughly 3/4 inch thick, with blunt ends. It's usually dark brown or black and often full of undigested seeds or berries. Raccoons leave it in piles at shared spots called latrines, often in attics, on roofs, on decks and at the base of trees. It can carry raccoon roundworm, so don't touch it or sweep it up.
Quick ID facts
| Shape | Tube-shaped with blunt, rounded ends, often broken into segments |
|---|---|
| Size | About 2–3 inches long and about 3/4 inch thick |
| Color | Dark brown to black; can look lighter as it dries |
| Contents | Undigested seeds, berries, corn, nuts or bits of shell |
| Where | Piles in one spot: attics, roofs, decks, woodpiles, tree bases |
| Smell | Strong and musky when fresh |
Where raccoons leave their droppings
Raccoons go back to the same spots again and again. These shared toilet areas are called latrines, and several raccoons may use the same one. That's why you often find a pile instead of a single dropping.
Common latrine spots around homes:
- Attics, especially near insulation and the entry hole
- Flat roofs and roof valleys
- Decks, patios and the tops of fences or woodpiles
- The base of large trees and under sheds or porches
- Garages and crawl spaces
A latrine inside your attic almost always means a raccoon has been living there, not just passing through.
Raccoon poop vs. other animals
Size and location are the fastest ways to tell droppings apart. Raccoon poop is much larger than rodent droppings and is usually found in piles. Dog poop can be similar in size, but it's rarely found on roofs or in attics. Cats usually bury theirs.
| Raccoon | Blunt ends, seeds and berries, left in piles (latrines) |
|---|---|
| Opossum | Smoother, often curled; usually alone, not in piles |
| Skunk | Similar to cat poop, often full of insect parts |
| Rat | Capsule-shaped pellets with blunt ends |
| Squirrel | Small rounded pellets, often near nests |
| Mouse | Rice-sized with pointed ends, scattered |
Why raccoon poop is dangerous
The biggest concern is raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a parasite that's common in raccoons. Its eggs pass in their droppings and can stay infectious in soil and dust for years. If a person accidentally swallows the eggs, for example from dirty hands, the larvae can travel through the body and, in rare cases, cause serious eye, nerve or brain damage. Young children are most at risk because they put things in their mouths.
Raccoon droppings and urine can also carry other germs, like the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. And the smell attracts other raccoons back to the same spot.
Call a wildlife pro if:
- You hear heavy movement in the attic or walls at night
- You find droppings in the attic, on the roof or on a deck
- You see damage to vents, soffits or shingles
- You hear young animals crying in spring or early summer
How to handle raccoon poop safely
For anything more than a dropping or two outdoors, or any latrine inside your home, calling a professional is the safest choice. If you do have to deal with a small amount yourself, follow CDC-style precautions:
- Wear disposable gloves and rubber boots you can scrub. Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator in an enclosed space like an attic.
- Don't sweep, vacuum or stir up dry droppings. That spreads contaminated dust.
- Lift the droppings with a shovel or inverted plastic bag and seal them in a bag.
- Dispose of the bag following local rules (bury, burn where allowed, or send to a landfill).
- Most household disinfectants don't kill roundworm eggs. Heat does, which is why professionals often treat latrine areas with heat or replace contaminated insulation.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water afterward.
What it means if you find raccoon poop in your attic
A latrine in the attic tells you three things: a raccoon has been living there, there's an entry point somewhere on your roof line, and the insulation around the latrine is likely contaminated. In spring, it can also mean there are young raccoons in the attic.
Removing the droppings alone won't solve the problem. The raccoon needs to be removed, the entry point sealed and the area cleaned properly. That's what a wildlife removal provider does.
Found raccoon droppings at home? Talk to a local wildlife pro.Availability depends on providers in your area.
Call (XXX) XXX-XXXXQuestions people ask
Is raccoon poop dangerous to touch?
Yes, it can be. Raccoon droppings can contain roundworm eggs that are infectious if swallowed. Don't touch them with bare hands, and wash your hands well if you're exposed.
How can I tell raccoon poop from dog poop?
Location is the biggest clue. Raccoon droppings are found in piles at the same spot, often on roofs, decks or in attics, and usually contain seeds or berries. Dog poop is rarely found up high or in latrine piles.
Does bleach kill raccoon roundworm eggs?
Bleach and most common disinfectants don't reliably kill roundworm eggs. Heat does. That's why contaminated areas are often treated with heat or the material is removed.
Should I clean raccoon poop out of my attic myself?
It's usually safer to have a professional do it, because attic latrines mean contaminated dust and insulation in an enclosed space. A wildlife provider can also remove the raccoon and seal the entry point.
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This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think you've been exposed to wildlife droppings or bitten by a wild animal, contact your doctor or local health department.