What to do if you see a possum outside your house?

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Don’t panic! The best course of action when encountering a possum outside your home is generally to leave it alone; they are likely just passing through and foraging for food, and will usually move on their own accord.

Understanding Possums and Their Behavior

Possums, specifically the Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana, are North America’s only marsupials. Often misunderstood and sometimes feared, they are actually beneficial creatures in many ways. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of things, including insects, snails, rodents, fruits, and carrion. This diet makes them valuable pest control agents in your yard. Understanding their behavior helps inform what to do if you see a possum outside your house?

Nocturnal Nature: Possums are primarily nocturnal, so seeing them during the day is not necessarily cause for alarm, although it could indicate they are sick, injured, or have been disturbed from their sleep.
Non-Aggressive: Possums are generally not aggressive animals. When threatened, their first line of defense is to “play possum,” feigning death to deter predators. This is an involuntary response.
Transient Visitors: Most often, possums are just passing through your property in search of food or shelter.

Benefits of Having Possums Around

While some people are wary of possums, they offer several benefits:

Pest Control: They consume large quantities of insects, including ticks, cockroaches, and beetles.
Rodent Control: Possums also eat rats and mice, helping to keep these populations in check.
Scavengers: They clean up carrion, helping to reduce the spread of disease.
Natural Lawn Care: They eat fallen fruit and snails.

What to do if you see a possum outside your house?: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you encounter a possum near your home, follow these guidelines:

Observe from a distance: Do not approach or try to touch the possum. Give it space.
Secure pets: Bring pets indoors or keep them on a leash if outside. Pets can stress out possums.
Remove food sources: Secure garbage cans, remove pet food left outside, and clean up fallen fruit.
Leave it alone: In most cases, the possum will move on its own within a few hours.
Monitor the situation: If the possum appears injured, sick, or is exhibiting unusual behavior (e.g., stumbling, circling), contact your local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.
Consider exclusion techniques: If possums are frequently visiting your property and causing problems (e.g., getting into garbage cans, nesting under decks), consider using exclusion techniques to prevent them from accessing these areas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When dealing with possums, avoid these common mistakes:

Feeding them: Feeding possums encourages them to return and can make them dependent on humans.
Trying to handle them: Possums are wild animals and can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Harassing them: Harassing or harming possums is inhumane and, in some areas, illegal.
Assuming they are rabid: Possums have a naturally low body temperature, making them less susceptible to rabies. However, any animal exhibiting unusual behavior should be treated with caution.

Effective Exclusion Techniques

To prevent possums from becoming a nuisance on your property:

Secure garbage cans: Use lids that latch or bungee cords. Store cans in a shed or garage when possible.
Trim tree branches: Keep tree branches trimmed back to prevent possums from accessing your roof or attic.
Seal openings: Seal any openings in your foundation, under decks, or around pipes.
Install fencing: Consider installing fencing around your garden or other vulnerable areas.
Use motion-activated lights: These can deter possums from entering your property.

Comparison of Intervention Options

Option	Description	Pros	Cons	When to Consider
—————————	———————————————————————————-	—————————————————————————————————-	——————————————————————————————————-	————————————————————————————————-
Leave Alone	Observe from a distance and let the possum move on its own.	Simplest, least stressful for both you and the possum.	May take some time for the possum to leave.	Most situations where the possum appears healthy and is not posing an immediate threat.
Remove Food Sources	Secure garbage, remove pet food, and clean up fallen fruit.	Deters possums from returning to your property.	Requires consistent effort.	When possums are frequently visiting your property.
Exclusion Techniques	Seal openings, trim tree branches, and install fencing.	Prevents possums from accessing specific areas of your property.	Can be time-consuming and/or expensive.	When possums are causing damage or are nesting on your property.
Contact Professionals	Contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.	Ensures humane handling and proper care for injured or sick possums.	May involve fees.	When the possum appears injured, sick, or is exhibiting unusual behavior.

Laws and Regulations

Before taking any action regarding a possum, be sure to check your local laws and regulations. Some areas have specific rules about trapping or relocating wildlife. Contact your local animal control or wildlife agency for more information. It’s essential to understand the relevant guidelines What to do if you see a possum outside your house? legally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if a possum hisses at me?

If a possum hisses at you, it is feeling threatened. Back away slowly and give it space. It is simply trying to defend itself and will likely leave you alone if you do not pose a threat.

Is it safe to let my dog or cat near a possum?

It’s best to keep your pets away from possums. Even if your pet is friendly, a possum may feel threatened and defend itself. Also, possums can carry fleas and ticks.

What if a possum is playing dead in my yard?

Playing possum is an involuntary defense mechanism. Leave it alone, and it will eventually “wake up” and move on. Avoid disturbing it, as it is already stressed.

How can I tell if a possum is sick or injured?

Signs of a sick or injured possum include stumbling, circling, appearing disoriented, being out during the day (especially if it seems unwell), or having visible injuries. If you see a possum exhibiting these signs, contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.

Can I trap and relocate a possum?

Trapping and relocating possums is often illegal or requires a permit. It’s also not a humane solution, as relocated animals often struggle to survive in unfamiliar territory. Exclusion techniques are generally a better option.

Are possums dangerous to humans?

Possums are generally not dangerous to humans. They are more afraid of us than we are of them. However, they can bite or scratch if they feel threatened, so it’s best to avoid handling them.

What is the best way to keep possums out of my garbage cans?

The best way to keep possums out of your garbage cans is to use lids that latch securely or bungee cords. You can also store your garbage cans in a shed or garage.

Will mothballs or ammonia keep possums away?

There is little scientific evidence to support the use of mothballs or ammonia as effective possum repellents. These substances can also be harmful to pets and the environment. It’s best to use exclusion techniques.

How long do possums usually stay in one place?

Possums are usually transient visitors and will only stay in one place for a short period, typically a few hours or days, depending on the availability of food and shelter.

What do possums eat?

Possums are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet includes insects, snails, rodents, fruits, vegetables, eggs, carrion, and even garbage.

Should I be concerned if I see a baby possum?

If you see a baby possum alone, it’s possible its mother is nearby. Observe from a distance for a short period to see if the mother returns. If the baby appears injured or orphaned, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

How can I prevent possums from nesting under my deck or porch?

To prevent possums from nesting under your deck or porch, seal any openings with wire mesh or wood. You can also try using motion-activated lights or sprinkling predator urine (available at some hunting supply stores) around the perimeter. You need to know What to do if you see a possum outside your house? and you don’t want it to move in and never leave!