What Does It Mean When a Possum Licks You? Unraveling the Enigma
When a possum licks you, it’s usually not a sign of affection or an attempt to groom you; it is more likely an exploratory action related to investigating a potential food source, cleaning, or, less commonly, due to fear or confusion. Essentially, the action “What does it mean when a possum licks you?” can range from innocent curiosity to a mild warning.
Understanding Possum Behavior
Possums, also known as opossums, are marsupials native to the Americas. They are generally nocturnal, solitary creatures known for their opportunistic eating habits and characteristic “playing possum” defense mechanism. To understand why one might lick you, we need to delve into their social behavior, senses, and typical interactions.
- Nocturnal Nature: Possums are most active at night.
- Solitary Animals: They generally prefer to be alone, except during mating season.
- Omnivorous Diet: They eat a wide range of foods, including insects, fruits, eggs, and carrion.
The Role of Taste and Smell in Possum Exploration
Possums have a highly developed sense of smell and taste, which they use to explore their environment and locate food sources. Licking is a way for them to gather information about objects or substances they encounter.
- Scent Identification: Licking can help them identify different scents.
- Taste Analysis: Licking helps determine if something is edible.
- Novelty Investigation: Anything new in their environment might be licked to gather more information.
Possible Reasons for Licking
Several reasons might explain why a possum would lick you. It’s rarely out of pure affection as one might expect from a domesticated animal.
- Seeking Food Residue: They might be licking your skin to find traces of food. Even seemingly clean hands or clothing can retain food odors that attract them.
- Grooming/Cleaning: While less common, a possum might lick if it perceives dirt or something sticky on your skin. This is more likely if you smell strongly of something they might be attracted to.
- Exploration/Curiosity: Possums are naturally curious and might lick simply to investigate a new texture or scent. This is especially true of younger possums.
- Fear/Nervousness: In rare cases, a possum might lick out of fear or confusion. This is more likely if the possum feels trapped or threatened. This is often accompanied by other defensive behaviors.
What to Do If a Possum Licks You
If a possum licks you, the best course of action is to remain calm and slowly move away. Avoid startling the animal, as this could trigger a defensive reaction, such as biting.
- Remain Calm: Do not panic or make sudden movements.
- Slowly Retreat: Back away slowly and deliberately.
- Wash the Area: Thoroughly wash the area that was licked with soap and water.
- Consult a Doctor: If the skin is broken or you have concerns, consult a doctor about potential risks, such as bacterial infections or rabies (though rabies is exceedingly rare in possums).
Possum Bite vs. Possum Lick: Understanding Risks
It’s vital to distinguish between a possum bite and a possum lick. A bite carries a significantly higher risk of infection.
| Feature | Possum Lick | Possum Bite |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ———————————- | ———————————- |
| Risk of Infection | Low, if skin is intact | High, due to bacteria in saliva |
| Transmission of Rabies | Extremely Rare | Theoretically Possible, but very rare |
| Action Needed | Wash area with soap and water | Thorough cleaning, medical attention |
Debunking Myths About Possums
Many misconceptions exist about possums, primarily surrounding disease and aggression.
- Myth: Possums are rabid. Fact: They have a very low body temperature that makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive.
- Myth: Possums are aggressive. Fact: They are generally docile and prefer to avoid confrontation, often “playing possum” as a defense mechanism.
- Myth: Possums are dirty. Fact: They are meticulous groomers and help control tick populations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What diseases can you get from a possum lick?
While the risk is low, a possum lick could transmit bacteria like Leptospirosis or, in extremely rare cases, diseases like tuberculosis. However, the primary risk is bacterial infection on the skin. Washing the area thoroughly with soap and water minimizes this risk.
Are possums aggressive towards humans?
Possums are generally not aggressive towards humans. Their primary defense mechanism is to “play possum,” feigning death to deter predators. If cornered, they might hiss or bare their teeth, but they rarely attack unless they feel extremely threatened.
Is it safe to touch a possum?
It’s generally not advisable to touch a wild possum. They are wild animals and can carry diseases or parasites. Additionally, touching them could cause them stress or fear, leading to defensive behavior.
What should I do if a possum gets into my house?
Open doors and windows to allow the possum to escape on its own. Avoid cornering or chasing it. You can also try placing a humane trap baited with fruit or pet food near its entry point. Once trapped, contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
How can I prevent possums from coming onto my property?
To deter possums, secure your trash cans, remove potential food sources like fallen fruit, trim overgrown vegetation, and seal any openings under your deck or porch. Consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers.
Do possums carry rabies?
Possums are remarkably resistant to rabies due to their low body temperature. While it’s theoretically possible for them to contract and transmit the virus, it is exceedingly rare.
What is the life expectancy of a possum?
In the wild, possums typically live 1-2 years due to predation, disease, and vehicle collisions. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 4 years.
Are possums beneficial to the environment?
Yes, possums are beneficial because they consume insects, including ticks, which helps control tick populations and reduces the risk of Lyme disease. They also eat carrion, contributing to waste management.
Should I feed a possum?
It’s generally not recommended to feed wild possums. Providing food can make them dependent on humans and alter their natural foraging behavior. It can also attract them to your property, potentially leading to unwanted interactions.
What do possums eat?
Possums are omnivores with a diverse diet that includes insects, snails, rodents, eggs, fruits, vegetables, carrion, and even garbage.
Are possums protected by law?
The legal status of possums varies by location. In some areas, they are considered nuisance animals and can be legally trapped or removed. In others, they may be protected by local ordinances. Check with your local animal control or wildlife agency for specific regulations.
What are the signs of a sick possum?
Signs of a sick possum include lethargy, disorientation, difficulty walking, excessive drooling, or visible injuries. If you observe a possum exhibiting these symptoms, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself. Understanding “What does it mean when a possum licks you?” and identifying sick animals is an important part of coexisting with these creatures.