What Happens if I Touch a Possum? Understanding the Risks and Realities
Touching a possum isn’t an immediate death sentence, but it’s generally not recommended. Here’s why: What happens if I touch a possum? You risk exposing yourself to potential diseases, parasites, and a defensive, albeit typically harmless, bite.
Understanding Possums: A Background
Possums, also known as opossums, are nocturnal marsupials native to North America. They play an important role in the ecosystem, consuming insects, rodents, and carrion. They are often misunderstood creatures, frequently perceived as aggressive due to their defensive behaviors. It’s important to understand their nature to appreciate why physical contact should be avoided.
The Reality of Possum Interactions
Many people fear possums, but the reality is they are more afraid of you. Their “playing possum” behavior, where they feign death, is a testament to their natural inclination to avoid confrontation. However, if cornered or feeling threatened, they may hiss, growl, or even bite. While not inherently aggressive, their bites can transmit diseases and infections.
Risks Associated with Touching a Possum
What happens if I touch a possum? The primary risks involve:
- Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and tularemia, although transmission to humans through casual contact is relatively rare. They are resistant to rabies but can still carry other potentially harmful bacteria.
- Parasites: Fleas, ticks, mites, and other external parasites can be transferred to humans through contact with a possum’s fur. These parasites can cause skin irritation and, in some cases, transmit diseases of their own (e.g., Lyme disease from ticks).
- Bites and Scratches: Even if the possum isn’t rabid, a bite or scratch can introduce bacteria into the wound, leading to infection.
Safe Practices for Coexisting with Possums
While avoiding physical contact is paramount, here’s how to safely coexist with possums:
- Secure Trash Cans: Use tightly sealed trash cans to prevent possums from being attracted to your property.
- Remove Food Sources: Clean up spilled pet food, fallen fruit, and other potential food sources.
- Close Off Access: Seal any openings in your home’s foundation or crawl spaces to prevent possums from taking up residence.
- Use Deterrents: Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter possums from entering your yard.
- Professional Removal: If you have a persistent possum problem, contact a local wildlife removal service.
Common Misconceptions about Possums
Many myths surround possums. Here are a few common misconceptions debunked:
- Myth: Possums are aggressive and will attack humans.
- Reality: Possums are generally docile and prefer to avoid conflict.
- Myth: Possums carry rabies.
- Reality: Possums have a low body temperature that makes them highly resistant to rabies.
- Myth: Possums are dirty animals.
- Reality: Possums are actually quite clean and groom themselves regularly.
What to Do If You Touch a Possum
If you inadvertently touch a possum:
- Wash your hands thoroughly: Use soap and water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Inspect for bites or scratches: Examine the area for any signs of injury.
- Clean any wounds: If you have been bitten or scratched, clean the wound immediately with soap and water and apply an antiseptic.
- Seek medical attention: If the wound is deep or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), consult a doctor.
Possum Benefits to the Ecosystem
Despite the potential risks, possums provide valuable services:
- Pest Control: They eat insects, snails, and slugs.
- Carrion Removal: They help clean up dead animals.
- Rodent Control: They prey on mice and rats.
Summary Table of Risks and Benefits
| Feature | Risks | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ——————————————————————- | ——————————————————————- |
| Contact | Disease transmission, parasite exposure, bites and scratches, infection | None (direct contact) |
| Presence | Potential for property damage (e.g., raiding trash cans) | Pest control, carrion removal, rodent control, ecosystem balance |
Frequently Asked Questions About Possums
Is it safe to handle baby possums?
No, it is never safe to handle wild animals, including baby possums. Even young possums can carry diseases and parasites. Their mothers may also be nearby and become aggressive if they perceive a threat to their offspring.
What diseases can possums transmit to humans?
Possums can potentially transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, and salmonellosis, though transmission through casual contact is uncommon. Bites and scratches also pose a risk of bacterial infection.
Are possums immune to rabies?
Yes, possums have a very low body temperature that makes them highly resistant to rabies. They are much less likely to carry or transmit rabies than other wild animals like raccoons or bats.
What should I do if a possum bites me?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Apply an antiseptic and monitor for signs of infection. If the wound is deep or shows signs of infection, seek medical attention promptly.
Can possums spread fleas or ticks?
Yes, possums can carry fleas, ticks, and other external parasites. These parasites can be transferred to humans and pets, causing skin irritation and potentially transmitting diseases like Lyme disease from ticks.
How can I keep possums away from my house?
Secure your trash cans, remove food sources, seal openings in your home’s foundation, and consider using motion-activated lights or sprinklers. Professional wildlife removal services can also help with persistent possum problems.
What is the best way to remove a possum from my property?
The best approach is prevention as detailed above. If a possum is trapped or inside your home, contact a licensed wildlife removal service. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove possums.
Are possums dangerous to pets?
Possums are generally not aggressive towards pets, but conflicts can occur, especially over food. They may also carry fleas and ticks that can infest pets. Supervise your pets when they are outside and take steps to deter possums from your property.
What does it mean when a possum “plays dead?”
“Playing possum” is a defensive mechanism where the animal feigns death to deter predators. They become limp, open their mouth, and may even emit a foul odor. This behavior is involuntary and is triggered by extreme fear.
Are possums protected by law?
Possum protection laws vary by location. In some areas, they are considered game animals and are subject to hunting regulations. In others, they are protected from being harmed or relocated without a permit. Check your local regulations.
What is the lifespan of a possum?
In the wild, possums typically live for 1-2 years. In captivity, they can live longer, up to 4-5 years. Their short lifespan is due to predation, disease, and other environmental factors.
What happens if I touch a possum that appears to be dead?
Even if a possum appears to be dead, it’s best not to touch it. It may be “playing possum” and could bite if it feels threatened. Additionally, dead animals can carry diseases. Contact your local animal control to safely remove the animal.