Have you ever stumbled upon peculiar tracks in your backyard or local park and wondered what creature left them behind? As opossums expand their territory, encounters with their unique paw prints are becoming more common. Understanding how to identify a Possum Paw Print can not only solve a backyard mystery but also deepen your appreciation for these often-misunderstood neighbors. This guide will delve into the distinctive characteristics of the possum paw print, helping you differentiate it from other common animal tracks and revealing the secrets they leave in the soil.
Opossums, often described as resembling large rats with a somewhat disheveled appearance, are actually quite peaceful and beneficial members of the ecosystem. For those unfamiliar, like myself when I first relocated to Southern Ontario’s Niagara Region, discovering opossums can be a surprising introduction to local wildlife. Initially, I was puzzled by the unusual tracks appearing around my property, especially near the cat food I set out for feral cats.
While their appearance might be initially startling, opossums are significantly less disruptive than raccoons and offer a valuable service by consuming ticks. Learning to recognize their paw prints is a key step in understanding their presence and habits.
It took some observation to correctly identify the tracks I was seeing. My initial guesses leaned towards raccoons or skunks, but the distinctive pattern eventually pointed to opossums. Differentiating between coyote and dog tracks is relatively straightforward, but opossum tracks present a unique identification challenge.
When comparing raccoon tracks (left) with opossum tracks (right), the differences become clear. Both feature a smaller front and a longer back paw print. However, the opossum paw print exhibits a noticeably different shape with toes that are widely spread, a key characteristic for identification.
The most telling sign of an opossum track is the splayed toes, often described as resembling tiny starfish. This wide spread is unlike the more compact paw prints of many other animals.
Although opossums possess nails, their tracks typically don’t show prominent nail marks. This contrasts with raccoon or dog tracks, where nail impressions are usually visible.
For those interested in further track identification, resources are available on distinguishing dog from coyote tracks, broadening your wildlife tracking knowledge.
Observing an opossum’s feet directly, as in these images, clearly reveals their widely spaced, pink toes. This anatomical feature directly translates to the distinctive spread seen in their paw prints.
Opossums possess a distinctive gait, often described as a waddle, with their hindquarters swaying from side to side. This waddle is more pronounced in larger, older individuals.
Another unique aspect of opossum tracks is the potential presence of tail marks. Opossums can carry their tails raised, resulting in tracks without tail impressions, or drag their tails, leaving a zig-zagging pattern alongside their paw prints.
Tail marks are particularly noticeable in deeper snow. When traversing snow, opossums with their short legs may find it challenging to keep their tails elevated, leading to clearer tail drag marks in the snow.
Like many animals, opossums often place their hind feet in or just behind the prints of their forefeet. This can create an impression where the front paw print, resembling a small star due to the splayed toes, appears partially covered by the slightly larger back paw print.
Opossums exhibit a resilience to weather conditions that is notable compared to animals like raccoons. They are less inclined to seek shelter during rain or cold weather, unlike raccoons who often sleep through unfavorable conditions. Around my home, opossums typically emerge about an hour after sunset, being the first to forage for fallen birdseed and the worms and grubs that congregate beneath.
My single observation of opossum droppings revealed a sample similar in size and shape to small dog feces but with a coarser texture, filled with undigested seeds and plant matter. The color was nearly black. It’s likely that their scat varies significantly based on their diet.
Opossums are generally harmless creatures, known for their defense mechanism of “playing dead” when threatened, a behavior I once witnessed during a coyote encounter. Despite their formidable-looking teeth, they are not typically aggressive and rarely bite unless directly provoked. Importantly, opossums are not significant carriers of rabies due to their lower body temperature, which is less conducive to the rabies virus.
In conclusion, recognizing the possum paw print, with its distinctive starfish-like splayed toes and occasional tail drag marks, is a valuable skill for any nature enthusiast or homeowner. Beyond track identification, understanding the presence of opossums highlights the beneficial role they play in controlling tick populations, making them welcome neighbors in any environment. Learning to identify these tracks is a step towards appreciating the diverse wildlife around us and the subtle stories they leave behind.
