Is it Bad to Touch a Possum? Understanding the Risks
Touching a possum is generally not recommended due to the risk of disease transmission and potential bites. This article explores the reasons why you should avoid contact with these fascinating marsupials, offering expert advice on safe coexistence.
Understanding Possums: Background and Behavior
Possums, also known as opossums, are North America’s only marsupials. They play a vital role in our ecosystems, acting as natural pest controllers by consuming insects, snails, and even small rodents. Their nocturnal habits often bring them into close proximity with humans, particularly in urban and suburban areas. While their appearance may seem intimidating, they are generally timid creatures who prefer to avoid confrontation. However, their inherent wildness and potential for carrying diseases means that interacting with them poses a risk. Understanding their behavior is the first step in ensuring both your safety and theirs.
Why You Should Avoid Touching a Possum
There are several reasons why you should avoid physical contact with possums:
- Disease Transmission: Possums can carry various diseases, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, and toxoplasmosis. While rabies is rare in possums due to their low body temperature, it’s not impossible. Direct contact increases the risk of transmission.
- Bites and Scratches: When threatened, possums may bite or scratch as a defensive mechanism. Their sharp teeth and claws can inflict painful wounds, potentially leading to infection.
- Parasites: Possums can be infested with parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which can then spread to pets and humans.
- Stress to the Animal: Even if a possum appears docile, attempting to touch it can cause significant stress, which can negatively impact its health and well-being.
- Legal Considerations: In some areas, it may be illegal to handle or possess wild animals, including possums, without proper permits.
What to Do If You Encounter a Possum
Instead of attempting to touch or interact with a possum, follow these guidelines:
- Observe from a Distance: Give the possum space and allow it to move on its own.
- Secure Your Property: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed, remove pet food from outdoors, and trim overgrown vegetation to reduce potential attractants.
- Protect Your Pets: Keep pets indoors, especially at night, and ensure they are vaccinated against rabies.
- Leave Injured or Orphaned Possums Alone: Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. Never attempt to care for a wild animal yourself.
- Educate Others: Share information about the importance of respecting wildlife and avoiding unnecessary contact.
Common Misconceptions about Possums
Many misconceptions surround possums, leading to unnecessary fear and mistreatment. Here are a few common myths debunked:
- Myth: Possums are aggressive.
- Reality: Possums are generally timid and prefer to avoid confrontation. They often “play possum” (feigning death) as a defense mechanism.
- Myth: Possums are dirty and carry rabies.
- Reality: Possums are relatively clean animals and groom themselves regularly. While they can carry diseases, rabies is rare.
- Myth: Possums are pests that should be eradicated.
- Reality: Possums play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by controlling pests.
Alternatives to Touching a Possum: Appreciating from Afar
You can appreciate possums and their role in the environment without touching them.
- Observe their behavior from a safe distance: Use binoculars or a camera to observe them in their natural habitat.
- Learn more about their biology and ecology: Read books, articles, and watch documentaries to deepen your understanding.
- Support wildlife conservation efforts: Donate to organizations that protect possums and other native wildlife.
- Create a possum-friendly habitat: Provide a safe and natural environment in your yard by planting native vegetation and avoiding the use of pesticides.
Safe Coexistence: Creating a Possum-Friendly Environment
Creating a possum-friendly environment means understanding their needs while minimizing potential conflicts. This can be accomplished by:
- Secure Food Sources: Keep garbage cans tightly sealed, bring pet food indoors at night, and clean up fallen fruit or vegetables.
- Provide Shelter: Allow natural ground cover and avoid excessive trimming of shrubs and trees.
- Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Refrain from using pesticides or other chemicals that can harm possums and other wildlife.
- Install Fencing: Use fencing to prevent possums from entering areas where they are not wanted, such as gardens or chicken coops.
First Aid After Possum Contact
If you are bitten or scratched by a possum, take the following steps:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Seek medical attention promptly, especially if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection. Your doctor may recommend a tetanus booster or antibiotics.
- Report the incident to your local animal control or health department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Possums and Handling
What diseases can possums transmit to humans?
Possums can potentially transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, and toxoplasmosis. While rabies is rare, it’s still a possibility. Always exercise caution and avoid direct contact.
Are possums aggressive animals?
Possums are not generally aggressive. They are more likely to play dead or run away when threatened. Biting or scratching is usually a defensive response.
Do possums carry rabies?
While rare, possums can carry rabies. However, their low body temperature makes them less susceptible compared to other mammals. It’s still important to avoid contact to minimize risk.
What should I do if I find a baby possum?
If you find a baby possum that appears orphaned or injured, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
How can I keep possums out of my yard?
You can deter possums by securing garbage cans, bringing pet food indoors at night, trimming overgrown vegetation, and installing fencing. Making your yard less attractive to them is key.
Is it illegal to kill or relocate possums?
Laws regarding the killing or relocation of possums vary by location. In many areas, it is illegal to harm or relocate them without proper permits. Check your local regulations before taking any action.
Are possums beneficial to the environment?
Yes! Possums are highly beneficial as they consume insects, snails, and rodents, helping to control pest populations. They are natural pest controllers.
What does it mean when a possum “plays dead”?
“Playing possum” is a defense mechanism where the animal feigns death to deter predators. They may drool, foam at the mouth, and even emit a foul odor to appear truly dead.
What is the best way to remove a possum from my attic or shed?
Never attempt to trap or remove a possum yourself. Contact a professional wildlife removal service who can safely and humanely remove the animal.
Are possum droppings dangerous?
Possum droppings can potentially contain harmful bacteria and parasites. It is important to clean up droppings carefully using gloves and a disinfectant. Avoid inhaling dust or particles.
Do possums hibernate during the winter?
Possums do not hibernate. They remain active throughout the winter, although they may become less active during periods of extreme cold. Ensure they have access to shelter.
What are some signs that a possum is sick or injured?
Signs of illness or injury in a possum may include lethargy, difficulty walking, open wounds, discharge from the eyes or nose, and unusual behavior. If you see a possum exhibiting these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Is it bad to touch a possum? Yes, avoid it and call for help.