What to do if you find a baby possum in your yard?

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If you find a seemingly orphaned baby possum in your yard, the best course of action is often to wait and observe from a distance, as the mother is likely nearby; however, if the possum appears injured, sick, or is in immediate danger, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Understanding the Urban Possum

Possums, or Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana), are increasingly common sights in suburban and urban environments. These adaptable marsupials play a vital role in the ecosystem, acting as natural pest control by consuming insects, snails, rodents, and even carrion. However, encountering a baby possum alone can be distressing, prompting concerns about its well-being. Understanding their natural behavior and when intervention is necessary is crucial for ensuring their survival.

Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Needed?

What to do if you find a baby possum in your yard? The answer isn’t always straightforward. The first step is careful observation. Many seemingly orphaned baby possums are actually perfectly fine and under their mother’s watchful eye. Mother possums often forage at night and leave their young temporarily.

Consider these factors:

Size: If the possum is larger than seven inches (excluding the tail), it’s likely old enough to be independent and exploring on its own. Intervention is usually unnecessary for possums of this size.
Appearance: A healthy baby possum will be alert, responsive, and have a clean coat. Signs of injury, weakness, emaciation, or excessive fly activity are red flags.
Location: Is the possum in immediate danger from traffic, pets, or predators? If so, intervention is necessary.
Time of Day: While possums are nocturnal, it’s not uncommon to see them active during daylight hours, especially mothers with young. Seeing a baby possum alone during the day doesn’t automatically mean it’s orphaned.

Observing From A Distance

Before taking any action, observe the possum from a safe distance for several hours, ideally until dusk. Use binoculars to avoid disturbing it. The mother may return to retrieve her young. Keep pets indoors and avoid making loud noises that could scare her away.

When to Intervene: Contacting a Wildlife Rehabilitator

If the baby possum exhibits any of the following characteristics, intervention is necessary:

Obvious Injuries: Bleeding, broken limbs, or any visible wounds.
Emaciation: Ribs are clearly visible, and the possum appears weak.
Weakness: Unable to stand or walk properly.
Coldness: Feeling cold to the touch.
Excessive Fly Activity: Flies swarming around the possum.
Location: In immediate danger, such as in the middle of a road or exposed to extreme weather.
Presence of a Dead Mother: If the mother possum is found dead nearby.

In these cases, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. These professionals have the expertise and resources to properly care for injured or orphaned wildlife. You can find a local rehabilitator through your state’s Fish and Wildlife agency or by searching online.

Safe Handling Procedures (If Necessary Before Transfer to Rehab)

If you must handle the baby possum before transferring it to a rehabilitator, take the following precautions:

Wear gloves: This protects you from potential diseases and parasites.
Use a towel or blanket: Gently scoop up the possum using a towel or blanket. Avoid direct skin contact.
Place it in a secure container: A cardboard box or pet carrier lined with soft bedding is ideal. Ensure the container has adequate ventilation.
Keep it warm: Provide a heat source, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a sock filled with rice and microwaved for a short period. Place the heat source near, but not directly touching, the possum.
Do not feed it: Feeding a baby possum the wrong food can cause serious health problems. Leave feeding to the professionals.
Keep it quiet and dark: Minimize stress by keeping the container in a quiet, dark place away from pets and children.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming it’s orphaned: As mentioned, mother possums often leave their young temporarily. Give her time to return.
Attempting to raise it yourself: Raising a wild animal requires specialized knowledge and resources. It’s illegal in many areas without proper permits.
Feeding it the wrong food: Cow’s milk is detrimental to baby possums. Leave feeding to the rehabilitator.
Releasing it prematurely: Baby possums need to be properly weaned and prepared for release back into the wild.
Touching it without protection: Always wear gloves to protect yourself.

Why Wildlife Rehabilitators are Essential

Wildlife rehabilitators are trained and licensed professionals who provide specialized care for injured and orphaned wildlife. They have the knowledge, facilities, and resources necessary to properly rehabilitate animals and prepare them for release back into their natural habitats. Supporting local wildlife rehabilitators is crucial for the conservation of native species.

Aspect	Wildlife Rehabilitator	Well-Intentioned Individual
—————–	———————————————————-	———————————————————-
Knowledge	Extensive knowledge of animal behavior and needs	Limited knowledge, often based on assumptions
Resources	Specialized equipment, medications, and facilities	Limited resources, relying on readily available items
Legal Compliance	Operates under permits and regulations	May unknowingly violate wildlife protection laws
Success Rate	Higher success rate in rehabilitation and release	Lower success rate due to lack of expertise and resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the baby possum hissing at me?

Baby possums, like their adult counterparts, will hiss or “play possum” when they feel threatened. This is a natural defense mechanism designed to deter predators. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are aggressive; it simply indicates they are scared. Maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching them closely.

Can I keep the baby possum as a pet?

No. Keeping a wild animal like a possum as a pet is generally illegal and harmful to the animal. Possums have specific dietary and environmental needs that are difficult to meet in captivity. They are also prone to stress and may exhibit unpredictable behavior. Furthermore, keeping a wild animal can expose you to potential diseases.

What do I do if my dog or cat brings me a baby possum?

If your pet brings you a baby possum, immediately separate the animals. Even if the possum doesn’t appear injured, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Internal injuries may not be immediately visible. Place the possum in a secure container and contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

How can I prevent possums from coming into my yard?

You can discourage possums from entering your yard by taking the following steps:

Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
Remove pet food bowls and water sources at night.
Clean up fallen fruit and birdseed.
Trim back overgrown bushes and trees.
Seal off any potential entry points into sheds, garages, or under decks.

What does a baby possum eat?

Baby possums in the pouch rely on their mother’s milk. Once they emerge from the pouch, they gradually transition to a diet of insects, fruits, vegetables, and small animals. Never attempt to feed a baby possum without the guidance of a wildlife rehabilitator.

How long do baby possums stay with their mother?

Baby possums typically stay with their mother for about four to five months. They ride on her back until they are large enough to venture out on their own. After this period, they become independent and begin foraging for food.

Is it dangerous to handle a possum?

While possums are generally not aggressive, they can carry diseases and parasites. Always wear gloves when handling a possum and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Avoid direct contact with their saliva, feces, or urine.

What if I accidentally touch a baby possum without gloves?

If you accidentally touch a baby possum without gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you are concerned about potential exposure to diseases, consult your doctor.

What should I tell the wildlife rehabilitator when I call?

When you contact a wildlife rehabilitator, provide them with as much information as possible, including:

The location where you found the possum.
The possum’s size and appearance.
Any visible injuries or signs of illness.
How long you have observed the possum.
Your contact information.

How can I help support wildlife rehabilitation efforts?

You can support wildlife rehabilitation efforts by:

Donating money or supplies to local wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Volunteering your time to assist with animal care.
Educating others about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides that can harm wildlife.

What are the long-term prospects of a baby possum that has been rehabilitated?

The long-term prospects of a rehabilitated baby possum depend on several factors, including the severity of its injuries or illness, the quality of care it receives, and its ability to adapt to life in the wild. With proper care, many rehabilitated possums can be successfully released back into their natural habitats.

What is the legal status of possums in my area?

The legal status of possums varies depending on your location. In some areas, they are protected, while in others, they are considered nuisance animals. Contact your state’s Fish and Wildlife agency to learn about the specific regulations in your area. Understanding the laws helps you make informed decisions and What to do if you find a baby possum in your yard? becomes clearer.