Is it safe to pick up a baby possum?

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It is generally not safe to pick up a baby possum. While seemingly helpless, handling them could expose you to diseases and parasites, and prematurely separating them from their mother can significantly reduce their chances of survival. Is it safe to pick up a baby possum? The answer is almost always no.

Understanding Baby Possums: A Background

Baby possums, also known as joeys, are marsupials native to North America. They spend the first few months of their lives in their mother’s pouch, and even after leaving the pouch, they remain dependent on her for food and protection. Understanding their biology and behavior is crucial to making informed decisions about intervention.

Early Development: Joeys are born underdeveloped and rely entirely on their mother.
Pouch Life: They spend roughly 2-3 months in the pouch.
Post-Pouch Dependence: Even after leaving the pouch, they stay close to their mother, riding on her back for several months.

Risks of Handling a Baby Possum

Several risks are associated with handling baby possums, both for you and the animal. Understanding these risks is paramount.

Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis, as well as parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Direct contact increases the risk of transmission.
Bite or Scratch Injury: Although generally not aggressive, a scared or threatened possum may bite or scratch in self-defense. These wounds can become infected.
Separation from Mother: Removing a joey from its mother, even with good intentions, greatly reduces its survival chances. Reuniting them can be very difficult. The mother may abandon the joey if it smells different.
Stress and Trauma: Handling can cause significant stress to the joey, potentially leading to weakened immune systems and difficulty adapting if released back into the wild.

When Intervention Might Be Necessary

While it’s generally best to leave baby possums alone, there are some exceptions:

Obvious Injury: If the joey is visibly injured (e.g., broken limb, bleeding), intervention is likely necessary. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Exposure to Extreme Weather: If the joey is exposed to extreme weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain, freezing temperatures) and appears distressed, careful intervention might be considered. Wear gloves and carefully place the joey in a warm, dry box. Then, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Deceased Mother: If you find a deceased adult possum with a joey nearby, the joey needs immediate help. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Location: If the joey is in an extremely dangerous place, such as a busy road.

In any of these cases, avoid direct skin contact and wear gloves. Your first call should always be to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Steps to Take if You Find a Baby Possum

If you find a baby possum and suspect it needs help, follow these steps:

Observe from a Distance: Watch the joey for a period to see if the mother returns. Give the mother a chance to retrieve her young.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most important step. They are trained and equipped to assess the situation and provide the best care.
Contain the Joey (If Advised): If the rehabilitator advises you to contain the joey, wear gloves and gently place it in a cardboard box lined with soft towels or blankets.
Keep it Warm and Quiet: Place the box in a warm, quiet location away from pets and children. Do not attempt to feed the joey.
Document the Location: Note the exact location where you found the joey. This information is crucial if reunification is possible.

Misconceptions About Possums

Several misconceptions surround possums, leading to unnecessary fear or misguided actions.

Possums are aggressive: Possums are generally timid creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. Their characteristic “playing dead” behavior is a defense mechanism.
Possums carry rabies: While possums can contract rabies, it is extremely rare due to their low body temperature.
Possums are pests: Possums can be beneficial as they eat insects and rodents. They can become a nuisance if they access garbage or pet food, but this can be prevented by securing these sources.

Alternatives to Direct Contact

If you are concerned about a baby possum’s welfare but want to avoid direct contact, consider these alternatives:

Monitor from afar: Observe the joey from a safe distance to see if the mother returns.
Provide a safe haven: If the joey is exposed to the elements, you can create a sheltered space nearby by leaning a piece of plywood against a tree.
Contact Animal Control: Local animal control may be able to provide advice or assistance, although a wildlife rehabilitator is usually the better choice.

The Importance of Professional Help

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide appropriate care for injured or orphaned wildlife. They can assess the animal’s condition, administer medical treatment, and, if possible, rehabilitate it for release back into the wild. They also understand laws regarding wildlife rescue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a baby possum survive without its mother?

A baby possum’s chances of surviving without its mother are extremely low, especially if it’s still very young. They rely on their mother for warmth, food, and protection. Unless raised by experienced rehabilitators, joey’s rarely survive.

What should I do if I accidentally touch a baby possum?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Monitor yourself for any signs of illness and consult a doctor if you develop any symptoms. Contact your doctor as a precaution.

How can I tell if a baby possum is orphaned?

Signs that a baby possum is orphaned include visible injuries, being found near a deceased mother, appearing weak or emaciated, or being consistently alone for an extended period. However, it’s always best to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator before assuming it’s orphaned.

What do baby possums eat?

Baby possums initially feed on their mother’s milk. As they grow, they gradually transition to solid foods, including insects, fruits, and vegetables. Do not attempt to feed a baby possum yourself, as improper feeding can be fatal. Leave feeding to the wildlife professional.

How long do baby possums stay with their mother?

Baby possums typically stay with their mother for several months after leaving the pouch, often riding on her back. They become independent around 4-5 months of age.

Is it illegal to keep a baby possum as a pet?

It is illegal in most places to keep a wild animal, including a baby possum, as a pet. Wildlife laws are in place to protect both the animals and the public.

What diseases can I get from a possum?

Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis, as well as parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. Contact a doctor if you become ill after being in close proximity to a possum.

What should I do if my pet attacks a baby possum?

If your pet attacks a baby possum, immediately separate them. Carefully check the joey for injuries and contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Your pet should be up to date with its vaccinations.

Can I relocate a baby possum to a safer location?

It’s generally best not to relocate a baby possum unless instructed to do so by a wildlife rehabilitator. Moving it can disrupt its mother’s ability to find it.

How can I prevent possums from entering my property?

Secure garbage cans, remove pet food and water bowls at night, and seal any entry points to your home or shed. These preventative measures will help deter possums from entering your property.

What does a healthy baby possum look like?

A healthy baby possum will appear alert, active, and well-nourished. Its fur will be clean and shiny, and it will have no visible injuries.

Is it safe to pick up a baby possum if it looks healthy and unharmed?

Even if a baby possum appears healthy, is it safe to pick up a baby possum? The answer remains no. It’s still crucial to avoid direct contact and contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. They can determine if the joey truly needs assistance.