Posted by Lara Underwood on June 14, 2006

Q: I have noticed a good number of droppings (I think?)in my suburban, north Texas backyard. They appear to be oval in shape 3/4 inch, and almost a yellow color. I thought they might be eggs, but they are mushy or crumbly when squashed. What could be leaving these? Are they harmful to children to play around?

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Texas

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Sounds like a good mystery! My first thought is that these are deer scat (droppings) but the color has me puzzled. However, if the deer are eating foods with yellow coloration within your area, this can easily be passed along in their scats. Is it possible that you have deer visiting your yard? Here in the Northeast, deer are common in many suburban areas and frequent peoples' yards. Deer scats look just as you described yours and are often dropped in piles of 12 or more pellets. You might want to go online and google "deer scat" and see what you get.

As to children and these scats (if that's what they are) I see no problems with kids playing in the same yard but I wouldn't want them to come into physical contact with them. If it were my yard, I'd scoop them up and bury them next to my prized trees, shrubs, and flowers for a bit of extra fertilizer. Best of luck to you and I hope we've solved your mystery.

John Wiessinger ( June 15, 2006)