Animal identifier ยท Other mammals
Didelphis virginiana
Eastern and central U.S., Pacific states, and spreading north. Hind track shows a thumb that sticks out to the side.
What does a virginia opossum look like?
White face, pink nose, gray body, naked scaly tail.
What do virginia opossum tracks look like?
The opposable hind thumb is the mark. It prints beside the foot, not in line with the other toes.
- Hind track shows a thumb that sticks out to the side
- Five toes on both feet
- Front track is a spread star, smaller than raccoon
- Tail drag sometimes shows in snow
- White face, naked tail, and gray body if seen
What does virginia opossum poop look like?
Variable, often near a den under a deck. Not as reliably a latrine as raccoon. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Eastern and central U.S., Pacific states, and spreading north. Typical places: woods, yard. Year-round. Less active in hard freezes.
What to do next
- Leave it alone if it is playing dead
- Close gaps under decks
- Do not relocate
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Raccoon identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
What do opossum tracks look like?
Five toes, with the hind foot showing a thumb off to the side. That thumb is the giveaway.
How to tell a virginia opossum from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Raccoon. Five fingers. Gray body, black mask, ringed tail.
Virginia opossum field marks
- Hind track shows a thumb that sticks out to the side
- Five toes on both feet
- Front track is a spread star, smaller than raccoon
- Tail drag sometimes shows in snow
Where the sign shows up
Eastern and central U.S., Pacific states, and spreading north. Typical places: woods, yard. Year-round. Less active in hard freezes.
The opposable hind thumb is the mark. It prints beside the foot, not in line with the other toes. Variable, often near a den under a deck. Not as reliably a latrine as raccoon.
Common questions
What do opossum tracks look like?
Five toes, with the hind foot showing a thumb off to the side. That thumb is the giveaway.