Quick Answer

 

Opossums do not hibernate; they stay active on milder winter nights. Look for hand-like tracks with a tail drag, musky fishy odor, messy but gentle trash raids, leaf-packed nests under structures, hissing/clicking sounds at dusk, and raided pet food or bird feeders.

 

Tracks and Trails

 

• Five-finger “hand” prints; rear foot shows a thumb-like toe pointing inward.
• Thin tail drag line between prints; waddling, staggered pattern.
• Clear in fresh snow or frost, often leading to dark gaps under porches or sheds.

 

Droppings and Latrines

 

• About 2–3 inches, tapered ends; smooth or slightly twisted, often with seeds/berries.
• Usually left singly, not in piles; found near shelter edges or along fence lines.

 

Shelter Clues Around Structures

 

• Leaf- and grass-packed nests under decks, crawlspaces, or sheds.
• Small entry gaps at skirting/vents; greasy rub marks, a few white/gray hairs.
• Insulation tugged down near foundation or around utility penetrations.

 

Sounds, Sightings, and Timing

 

• Active just after dusk on thawed nights; slow, deliberate gait.
• Hissing, clicking “chatter,” and low growls if cornered.
• Occasional daytime appearance only during severe cold snaps seeking warmth.

 

Food, Damage, and Odor

 

• Raided pet food, compost, fallen fruit, bird seed; scattered scraps, wet bite marks.
• Tipped trash lids without heavy shredding (less destructive than raccoons).
• Musky, slightly fishy smell and urine staining near den sites.

 

Confirm and Respond

 

• Dust flour at entry points to capture tracks; use a trail camera with marshmallow or cat food bait.
• Seal openings after nighttime exit; consider a one-way door. Avoid trapping during deep cold.

To get rid of opossums in winter: confirm one is present, then evict humanely with a one-way door when temperatures are moderate, remove food sources, and permanently seal all entry points with hardware cloth and metal. Avoid poisons and repellents; use trapping only if legal. Clean safely and consider a pro if you’re unsure.

 

Identify and Confirm Activity

 

• Look for nighttime noises, paw tracks, droppings, and a single entry hole with smudges.
• Stuff the hole loosely with paper or straw; if it’s pushed out overnight for 2–3 nights, it’s active.

 

Winter-Safe Eviction Steps

 

• Choose a milder spell (ideally above 25–30°F) to avoid stressing the animal.
• Install a one-way exclusion door on the active hole; leave 48–72 hours.
• Use constant light and a small fan or radio near the den to encourage leaving.
• Optionally place an outdoor straw-filled box 10–20 feet away as a new den.

 

Seal and Proof Openings

 

• After quiet for 2–3 nights, remove the door and seal with 16–19 gauge, 1/4" hardware cloth screwed to wood/brick.
• For decks/sheds, trench 12" down and create an L-footer extending 12" outward.
• Cap chimneys; screen vents, soffits, and crawlspace doors.

 

Remove Attractants

 

• Lock trash, bring pet food indoors, clean up fallen fruit, and use bird feeders sparingly.
• Eliminate water sources near structures.

 

Trapping When Required

 

• Check local laws first. Use a 10x12x32" live-catch cage with fishy bait; check every morning.
• Relocate only if permitted; otherwise release on-site after sealing access.

 

Cleaning and Safety

 

• Wear gloves and a mask; mist droppings, then pick up. Disinfect surfaces (1:10 bleach).
• Treat pets for fleas; wash hands and clothes after.

 

When to Call a Pro

 

• If babies are suspected, access is risky (attic/roof), or laws are unclear.