Can You Make a Possum a Pet? A Definitive Guide
No, you generally cannot make a possum a pet. While tempting, especially with their unique charm, ethical considerations, legal restrictions, and the possum’s inherent wild nature make domesticating a possum impractical and often illegal.
Understanding the Appeal and the Reality of Possums as “Pets”
The idea of keeping a possum as a pet often stems from a perceived cuteness or a misunderstanding of their care requirements. Movies and social media might portray them as cuddly companions, but the reality is far different. Possums are wild animals with specific needs that are difficult, if not impossible, to meet in a domestic setting.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before even considering keeping a possum, it’s crucial to understand the legal implications.
- State and Local Laws: Many states and municipalities have strict regulations regarding the possession of native wildlife. Keeping a possum without the proper permits is often illegal and can result in hefty fines or even criminal charges. You must check your local laws.
- Ethical Concerns: Removing a possum from its natural environment disrupts the ecosystem. They play a vital role in controlling insect populations and scavenging carrion. Keeping them as pets deprives them of their natural behaviors and social interactions.
The Challenges of Caring for a Possum
Even if it were legal and ethical, caring for a possum presents significant challenges.
- Dietary Needs: Possums have a complex diet that includes insects, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and carrion. Replicating this diet in captivity is difficult and can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
- Housing and Enrichment: They require large, secure enclosures with ample space to climb and explore. Providing adequate enrichment to keep them mentally stimulated is also crucial.
- Veterinary Care: Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating possums can be challenging. Many common pet medications are not safe for possums.
- Nocturnal Behavior: Possums are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. This can be disruptive to your sleep schedule.
- Temperament: While some possums may appear tame, they are still wild animals with unpredictable behavior. They can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Why Possums Are Not Domesticated Animals
Domestication is a long process that involves selective breeding over many generations to create animals that are well-suited to living with humans. Possums have not undergone this process and remain wild animals. Attempts to tame them often fail, leading to stressed and unhappy animals.
Alternatives to Keeping a Possum as a Pet
If you are drawn to possums, consider these alternatives:
- Wildlife Rehabilitation: Volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center to help care for injured or orphaned possums.
- Conservation Efforts: Support organizations that work to protect possum habitats and promote their conservation.
- Wildlife Photography/Observation: Observe possums in their natural environment through photography or wildlife viewing.
- Education: Learn more about possums and educate others about their importance to the ecosystem.
Understanding “Tame” vs. “Domesticated”
It’s important to differentiate between tame and domesticated. A tame animal is one that has become accustomed to human presence, but it still retains its wild instincts and behaviors. A domesticated animal, on the other hand, has been selectively bred for specific traits and is genetically different from its wild ancestors. Possums can, in very rare cases, be tamed, but can you make a possum a pet? The answer is still fundamentally no, as they are not domesticated.
| Feature | Wild Possum | Domesticated Animal |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ————————- | ———————- |
| Genetic Makeup | Unchanged by breeding | Altered by breeding |
| Behavioral Traits | Predatory, Solitary | Docile, Social |
| Dependence on Humans | Low | High |
| Suitability as Pet | Not Suitable | Generally Suitable |
What to Do If You Find an Injured or Orphaned Possum
If you find an injured or orphaned possum, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide proper care and eventually release the possum back into the wild.
Common Myths About Possums
There are many misconceptions about possums. Here are a few common myths debunked:
- Myth: Possums are aggressive.
- Reality: Possums are generally shy and avoid conflict. They only become aggressive if they feel threatened.
- Myth: Possums carry rabies.
- Reality: Possums have a low body temperature, making them less susceptible to rabies. While they can contract the disease, it is rare.
- Myth: Possums are dirty animals.
- Reality: Possums are actually quite clean and groom themselves regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Possums as Pets
Is it legal to keep a possum as a pet?
No, generally it is not legal to keep a possum as a pet. Most states and municipalities have laws prohibiting the possession of native wildlife without the proper permits. You must check your local regulations.
Can you make a possum a pet if it’s been orphaned?
Even if a possum is orphaned, it is still illegal to keep it without the necessary permits. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide appropriate care and eventually release the possum back into the wild.
What do possums eat?
Possums have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, vegetables, eggs, and carrion. This diet is difficult to replicate in captivity, and improper feeding can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Do possums make good pets for children?
No, possums do not make good pets for children. They are wild animals with unpredictable behavior and can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Are possums dangerous to have around my house?
Possums are generally not dangerous and can actually be beneficial by controlling insect populations. However, they can sometimes get into trash cans or gardens in search of food.
Can possums be house-trained?
No, possums are not easily house-trained. They lack the cognitive abilities and motivation to learn to use a litter box or go outside.
What kind of enclosure does a possum need?
Possums require a large, secure enclosure with ample space to climb and explore. The enclosure should also provide protection from the elements.
How long do possums live?
In the wild, possums typically live for 1-2 years. In captivity, they may live longer, but their quality of life may be compromised.
Do possums carry diseases?
While possums are relatively resistant to rabies, they can carry other diseases such as leptospirosis and parasites.
How much does it cost to care for a possum?
The cost of caring for a possum can be significant, including the cost of housing, food, veterinary care, and enrichment items.
Can you make a possum a pet that is friendly and cuddly?
Even with extensive effort, it is highly unlikely to make a possum consistently friendly and cuddly. Their wild instincts will always be present, and their behavior can be unpredictable. It’s best to appreciate them from a distance.
What is the best way to help possums in my area?
The best way to help possums is to protect their habitat, avoid using pesticides, and provide them with access to clean water. If you find an injured or orphaned possum, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Remember, enjoying them in their natural habitat is the most ethical and beneficial approach.