Is A Possum Aggressive? Unmasking the Truth About These Nocturnal Creatures
While their appearance might be startling, possums are generally not aggressive. They are more likely to play dead or flee than to attack.
Understanding the Possum: Beyond the Grin
The opossum, often simply called “possum” in North America, is a fascinating creature frequently misunderstood. Their nocturnal habits, coupled with their distinctive appearance – beady eyes, pointed snout, and a mouthful of teeth – can easily lead to misinterpretations about their behavior. Let’s delve into the reality of possum behavior and dispel common myths about their supposed aggression. Understanding their role in the ecosystem and the pressures they face can lead to a more respectful and informed perspective on these unique marsupials.
The Possum’s Defensive Arsenal: Deception Over Direct Confrontation
When threatened, a possum will employ a range of defense mechanisms, all geared towards avoiding a fight. The most famous is, of course, playing possum – feigning death. This involves collapsing, becoming stiff, opening their mouth, drooling, and even emitting a foul odor. Predators often lose interest in what appears to be a decaying carcass, giving the possum a chance to escape when the coast is clear. Other defense mechanisms include:
- Hissing and Growling: A possum might hiss, growl, or bare its teeth to appear intimidating. However, this is a bluff, and rarely leads to an actual attack.
- Playing Dead: The classic possum response, often accompanied by a foul odor.
- Fleeing: Their primary instinct is to run away. They are surprisingly agile climbers and can quickly disappear into trees or underbrush.
These behaviors are vital survival strategies in a world filled with predators like foxes, owls, dogs, and even cars. It’s important to recognize that these actions are born out of fear, not malice. The question “Is A possum aggressive?” can largely be answered with a resounding no, particularly if you give them space and allow them to retreat.
Why The Perception of Aggression Exists
Despite their generally passive nature, there are a few reasons why possums might be perceived as aggressive:
- Feeling Cornered: Like any animal, a possum will defend itself if it feels trapped or threatened. If cornered with no escape route, they might bite or scratch as a last resort.
- Protecting Young: Mother possums with young in their pouch or clinging to their back will be more protective. They may exhibit more assertive behavior to defend their offspring.
- Rabies Misconceptions: While possums can technically contract rabies, it is exceptionally rare due to their low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to thrive. However, any wild animal exhibiting unusual behavior should be treated with caution.
The Possum: A Beneficial Backyard Guest
Beyond their survival tactics, possums play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are natural pest controllers, consuming insects, snails, slugs, rodents, and even snakes. They are also excellent scavengers, helping to keep yards clean by eating carrion and dropped fruit. Allowing a possum to roam your property (while taking precautions to protect pets and prevent them from becoming a nuisance) can be a beneficial contribution to your local environment. They are an important part of the urban and suburban ecosystem.
Minimizing Potential Conflicts
Even though they are generally harmless, it’s wise to take precautions to minimize potential conflicts with possums:
- Secure Garbage Cans: Use tight-fitting lids on garbage cans to prevent possums from scavenging for food.
- Pet Food Storage: Store pet food indoors to avoid attracting possums and other wildlife.
- Seal Potential Entry Points: Seal up any holes or openings in your home or shed that could serve as a den for possums.
- Supervise Pets: Keep pets indoors at night, or supervise them when they are outside, to prevent confrontations with possums.
Understanding the Law and Local Wildlife
Before attempting to trap or relocate a possum, check your local wildlife regulations. In many areas, it is illegal to trap or relocate wild animals without a permit. If you have concerns about a possum on your property, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center for advice. These professionals can provide guidance on humane methods for dealing with possums and other wildlife.
Comparing Possums with Other Wildlife
The fear that many people have about possums often stems from comparisons to other wildlife. To better illustrate this, let’s compare possum behavior to that of other commonly encountered creatures.
| Animal | Likely Behavior When Threatened | Aggression Level | Rabies Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| ———– | —————————– | —————- | —————- |
| Possum | Play dead, hiss, flee | Very Low | Extremely Low |
| Raccoon | Bite, scratch, hiss | Moderate | Moderate |
| Squirrel | Flee, bite if cornered | Low | Very Low |
| Skunk | Spray, bite | Moderate | Moderate |
This table clearly illustrates that the answer to “Is A possum aggressive?” is definitively no when compared to other common wildlife species.
Frequently Asked Questions about Possum Behavior
Are possums dangerous to humans?
Possums rarely attack humans. They are more likely to run away or play dead. Bites are uncommon and usually occur only when the animal feels threatened and cornered.
Do possums carry diseases?
While possums can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis, the risk of transmission to humans is low. They are remarkably resistant to rabies.
What should I do if a possum is in my yard?
The best course of action is to leave it alone. It will likely move on in search of food. Remove any potential food sources like pet food or open garbage cans.
Are possums nocturnal?
Yes, possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. This is why you are more likely to see them after dark.
What do possums eat?
Possums are omnivores with a varied diet including insects, fruits, vegetables, rodents, snakes, and carrion. They are excellent natural pest controllers.
Will a possum attack my pet?
Possums typically avoid confrontation with larger animals, including dogs and cats. Attacks on pets are rare. However, it’s always a good idea to supervise your pets, especially at night.
How long do possums live?
Possums have a relatively short lifespan, typically 1-2 years in the wild due to predation, traffic, and other environmental hazards.
Do possums hibernate?
No, possums do not hibernate. They remain active throughout the year, although they may become less active during extremely cold weather.
Can possums climb trees?
Yes, possums are excellent climbers and often seek shelter in trees. Their prehensile tail helps them grip branches.
Are possums marsupials?
Yes, possums are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch, similar to kangaroos and koalas.
What does it mean when a possum “plays dead”?
“Playing dead” is a defense mechanism where the possum feigns death to deter predators. It involves becoming stiff, opening its mouth, and emitting a foul odor.
Should I be concerned about possums in my attic or under my house?
If a possum has taken up residence in your attic or under your house, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They can humanely remove the animal and seal up any entry points to prevent future problems.