Can You Touch a Wild Possum? Understanding Possum Interactions
The definitive answer is a resounding no, you should not touch a wild possum. While they may appear docile, wild animals, including possums, carry risks of disease and injury, making contact potentially harmful to both you and the animal.
Understanding the Wild Possum and Its Natural Defenses
Possums, also known as opossums ( Didelphis virginiana in North America), are fascinating creatures, North America’s only marsupial. They play an important role in the ecosystem, consuming insects, snails, rodents, and carrion, acting as natural pest control. However, their wild nature means interacting with them poses inherent risks.
Why Touching a Wild Possum is Discouraged
The reasons to avoid touching a wild possum are multifaceted, concerning both your safety and the animal’s well-being. Here’s a breakdown:
- Risk of Bites and Scratches: Although generally not aggressive, a possum will defend itself if it feels threatened. Bites and scratches from wild animals can lead to infections.
- Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis, as well as parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Contact can facilitate disease transmission.
- Stress to the Animal: Handling a wild animal causes significant stress. This stress can weaken its immune system, making it more susceptible to illness and reducing its ability to survive in the wild.
- Legality: In some areas, it is illegal to handle or keep wild animals without proper permits. Check your local regulations.
- Misinterpretation of Docility: A seemingly docile possum may actually be sick or injured, making it more likely to bite or scratch out of fear.
What To Do If You Find a Possum
Instead of attempting to touch a wild possum, follow these guidelines:
- Observe from a Distance: Give the animal plenty of space.
- Keep Pets Away: Ensure your pets are secured to prevent them from harassing the possum.
- Do Not Offer Food: Feeding wild animals can make them dependent on humans and disrupt their natural foraging behaviors.
- Contact Animal Control or a Wildlife Rehabilitator: If the possum appears injured, sick, or is behaving abnormally (e.g., overly aggressive, disoriented), contact your local animal control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They are equipped to handle these situations safely and humanely.
The Myth of Possums and Rabies
While it’s a common misconception, possums are actually quite resistant to rabies. Their lower body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to thrive. However, they can still contract and transmit other diseases, reinforcing the importance of avoiding contact.
Understanding Possum Behavior
Possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they typically sleep in dens, tree hollows, or other sheltered locations. Their distinctive “playing possum” behavior – feigning death when threatened – is a remarkable defense mechanism.
Key Considerations for Coexistence
- Secure Trash Cans: Use tightly sealed trash cans to prevent possums from being attracted to your property.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Clean up fallen fruit and pet food to reduce potential food sources.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points (e.g., under decks, in crawl spaces) and seal them off.
- Consider Professional Exclusion: If you have a persistent possum problem, consider hiring a wildlife removal service. They can safely and humanely remove the animal and prevent future infestations.
What to do if bitten or scratched by a Possum
If you are bitten or scratched by a possum, even a seemingly minor injury, take the following steps:
- Wash the Wound Thoroughly: Wash the wound immediately with soap and water for several minutes.
- Apply Antiseptic: Apply an antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Seek Medical Attention: Consult a doctor as soon as possible. They can assess the risk of infection and determine if further treatment, such as a tetanus booster or antibiotics, is necessary.
- Report the Incident: Report the incident to your local health department or animal control agency.
Legal Aspects of Wildlife Interaction
Laws regarding interacting with wildlife vary by location. Some states and municipalities have regulations prohibiting the handling or relocation of wild animals without permits. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with local laws. Violations can result in fines or other penalties.
Why is it important not to touch a wild possum, even if it seems friendly?
Possums, despite occasionally appearing docile, are still wild animals. A friendly demeanor doesn’t negate the risks of bites, scratches, and disease transmission. Even if the possum is not intentionally aggressive, it may react defensively if startled or feels threatened, leading to injury. The well-being of the animal must also be considered, and interacting with it causes unnecessary stress. You should always prioritize your health and safety by maintaining distance.
What diseases can I get from a possum?
Possums can carry various diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis. They can also harbor parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The risk of disease transmission is a significant reason to avoid direct contact.
Is it safe to feed a wild possum?
No, it is not safe or advisable to feed a wild possum. Feeding wild animals can make them dependent on humans for food, disrupting their natural foraging behaviors and potentially leading to overpopulation. It also increases the likelihood of them approaching humans, potentially causing conflict.
What should I do if I find a baby possum?
If you find a baby possum, do not attempt to handle it. If the mother is not nearby, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to care for orphaned wildlife and release them back into the wild. Attempting to care for a baby possum yourself can be detrimental to its survival.
Are possums dangerous to pets?
Possums are generally not aggressive towards pets and are more likely to avoid conflict. However, if threatened, they may defend themselves, potentially injuring a pet. Additionally, possums can carry parasites that can infest pets. It’s best to keep pets away from possums to prevent any potential harm or disease transmission.
How can I keep possums away from my property?
To deter possums from your property, secure trash cans, eliminate food sources (e.g., fallen fruit, pet food), seal entry points in your home, and consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers. These measures can make your property less attractive to possums.
What does it mean when a possum “plays possum”?
Playing possum is a defensive behavior where the possum feigns death to avoid being attacked by predators. They may drool, defecate, and emit a foul odor to make themselves appear unappetizing. This is a remarkable adaptation that helps them survive.
Are possums protected by law?
The legal status of possums varies by location. In some areas, they are protected under wildlife conservation laws, while in others, they are not. Check your local regulations to understand the laws pertaining to possums in your area. It’s important to be aware of these laws before taking any action that could harm a possum.
Can you touch a wild possum if you wear gloves?
While wearing gloves may offer some protection, it is still not recommended to touch a wild possum. Gloves do not eliminate the risk of bites, scratches, or disease transmission. Furthermore, handling a wild animal, even with gloves, can cause it stress and potentially harm its well-being. The best course of action is to avoid contact altogether.
How do I identify a sick or injured possum?
Signs of a sick or injured possum include: lethargy, disorientation, difficulty walking, visible wounds, discharge from the eyes or nose, and erratic behavior. If you observe these signs, contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to approach or handle the animal yourself.
What is the role of possums in the ecosystem?
Possums play a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations, consuming rodents, and acting as scavengers. They help to keep the environment clean and healthy. Their presence contributes to the overall balance of the ecosystem.
If I find a possum in my house, what should I do?
If you find a possum in your house, remain calm and open any doors or windows that lead outside. Try to encourage the possum to leave on its own. If it does not leave, contact a professional wildlife removal service. Do not attempt to corner or capture the possum yourself, as this could provoke a defensive reaction. The answer to “Can you touch a wild possum?” is still a resounding NO.