What Happens If You Grab A Possum?: Unveiling the Potential Outcomes
Grabbing a possum can lead to a variety of reactions, ranging from the animal playing dead to biting and scratching in self-defense; ultimately, understanding what happens if you grab a possum? is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the animal.
Understanding the Possum and Its Defense Mechanisms
Opossums, often incorrectly referred to as possums (which are a different group of animals native to Australia and surrounding areas), are nocturnal marsupials native to North America. They are generally shy and non-aggressive, preferring to avoid confrontation whenever possible. However, like any wild animal, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Therefore, understanding what happens if you grab a possum? requires appreciating their innate survival instincts.
The “Playing Possum” Tactic
One of the most well-known defense mechanisms of the opossum is “playing possum,” also known as thanatosis. When faced with a perceived threat, they may feign death, becoming completely limp, drooling, and even emitting a foul odor from their anal glands. This behavior is designed to deter predators who prefer live prey. Importantly, what happens if you grab a possum? might be nothing – it might be playing dead. This doesn’t mean it’s safe to continue handling the animal.
Physical Defense: Biting and Scratching
If an opossum feels cornered and unable to escape or successfully play dead, it may resort to biting and scratching. Opossums have sharp teeth and claws, and while they are not inherently aggressive, they can inflict painful wounds in self-defense. These wounds carry a risk of infection, as opossums can carry various bacteria and parasites. Grasping an opossum abruptly could easily trigger this defensive response, showing what happens if you grab a possum? is unpredictable.
Health Risks Associated with Opossum Contact
Beyond the immediate risk of bites and scratches, there are other health concerns associated with handling opossums. They can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rabies (though rabies is rare in opossums due to their low body temperature). They can also carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets. Therefore, understanding what happens if you grab a possum? also entails recognizing these potential health risks.
The Right Way to Handle an Opossum Encounter
The best course of action is to avoid direct contact with opossums whenever possible. If you encounter an opossum on your property, give it space and allow it to move on its own. If you need to remove an opossum from your property (for example, if it is trapped in a building), it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals have the training and equipment necessary to safely handle and relocate the animal. Remember, what happens if you grab a possum? can be negative for both of you, so avoidance is key.
Summary of Potential Outcomes
| Outcome | Description | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| ———————- | —————————————————————– | ———— |
| Playing Dead | Opossum becomes limp, drools, and emits a foul odor. | High |
| Biting and Scratching | Opossum attempts to defend itself with teeth and claws. | Moderate |
| Disease Transmission | Risk of contracting leptospirosis, salmonellosis, etc. | Low |
| Parasite Exposure | Risk of being bitten by fleas, ticks, or mites carried by opossum. | Moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to deter opossums from my property?
The best way to deter opossums is to remove their food sources and potential shelter. This includes securing garbage cans, cleaning up fallen fruit, removing pet food, and sealing any openings in buildings or under decks. Consider motion-activated lights or sprinklers as additional deterrents.
Is it safe to feed an opossum?
No, it is generally not safe or advisable to feed opossums. Feeding them can attract them to your property, making them dependent on humans for food, and potentially leading to conflicts. Additionally, feeding wild animals can disrupt their natural foraging behavior.
What should I do if an opossum bites me?
If an opossum bites you, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Apply an antiseptic and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Inform your doctor that you were bitten by an opossum so they can assess the risk of infection and determine if further treatment is necessary.
Can opossums carry rabies?
While opossums can theoretically carry rabies, it is rare. Their low body temperature makes them less susceptible to the virus. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you are bitten by any wild animal.
Are opossums protected by law?
Opossums are generally not protected by federal law, but state and local laws may vary. Before attempting to trap or relocate an opossum, it is important to check your local regulations to ensure you are not violating any laws.
Do opossums eat ticks?
Yes, opossums are known to eat ticks. Studies have shown that they can consume thousands of ticks per year, making them beneficial in controlling tick populations and reducing the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
What is the lifespan of an opossum?
The lifespan of an opossum in the wild is typically 1-2 years. They face numerous threats, including predators, traffic, and habitat loss. In captivity, they may live longer, but this is uncommon.
How can I tell if an opossum is sick or injured?
Signs of a sick or injured opossum may include lethargy, difficulty walking, visible wounds, discharge from the eyes or nose, and erratic behavior. If you see an opossum exhibiting these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
What should I do if I find a baby opossum?
If you find a baby opossum, do not attempt to handle it. If it appears healthy and is near its mother, leave it alone. If it appears orphaned or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Can opossums be domesticated?
Opossums are wild animals and are not suitable as pets. They have specific dietary and environmental needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting. Additionally, it is illegal in many areas to keep native wildlife as pets.
What are the benefits of having opossums in my yard?
Opossums are beneficial to the environment in several ways. They control insect populations, eat ticks, scavenge for carrion, and help disperse seeds. They are an important part of the ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
What are the alternatives to grabbing an opossum if it’s in a dangerous location?
Instead of grabbing an opossum, try to gently encourage it to move to a safer location. You can use noise, like clapping, or shine a light on it to encourage it to move. Contacting Animal Control or a wildlife removal service is also a safe alternative, especially if the opossum seems injured or trapped.