What to Do When You Find a Baby Possum: A Comprehensive Guide
Found a baby possum? Don’t panic! Knowing the right steps can significantly increase the survival chances of this vulnerable creature. The key is to assess the situation carefully and determine if intervention is truly necessary, as what you should do if you found a baby possum depends entirely on its condition and location.
Understanding Baby Possums and Their Needs
Opossums, often mistakenly called “possums” (the latter term is used for animals native to Australia), are marsupials native to North America. Baby opossums, also known as joeys, are incredibly dependent on their mothers for warmth, food, and protection. They stay in the mother’s pouch for several months and then ride on her back for additional weeks. Understanding their developmental stages is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action.
- Newborn: Hairless, eyes closed, entirely dependent.
- Young Joey (In Pouch): Partially furred, eyes may be open or closed, still mostly dependent on the mother.
- Older Joey (Riding on Back): Fully furred, eyes open, increasingly independent but still relies on the mother.
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Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Necessary?
Before taking any action, observe the baby possum carefully. Your role in what you should do if you found a baby possum begins with understanding the context.
- Is the mother present? Observe from a distance for several hours, if possible. The mother may be foraging nearby.
- Is the baby injured? Look for obvious signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken limbs, or weakness.
- Is the baby cold or dehydrated? Gently touch the baby’s belly. If it feels cold, the baby needs warmth. Check for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes or lethargy.
- Is the baby in immediate danger? Is it in the road, exposed to predators, or in an area with heavy foot traffic?
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do Next
If you determine that intervention is necessary, follow these steps:
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide proper care. This is the most important step in what you should do if you found a baby possum.
- While waiting for the rehabilitator, prepare a temporary safe space. A cardboard box lined with soft towels or blankets works well.
- Provide warmth. A heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel, can help regulate the baby’s body temperature.
- Do not feed the baby. Feeding the wrong food can cause serious health problems. Let the rehabilitator handle feeding.
- Handle the baby as little as possible. Stress can be detrimental to its health.
- Document the location where you found the baby. This information is crucial for the rehabilitator to potentially reunite the baby with its mother.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Helping a baby possum requires careful consideration. Here are some frequent errors:
- Assuming the baby is orphaned too quickly. Give the mother ample time to return.
- Trying to raise the baby yourself. Opossums have specific nutritional and care requirements that are difficult for untrained individuals to meet.
- Feeding the baby cow’s milk or other inappropriate foods. This can lead to diarrhea and other health problems.
- Releasing the baby back into the wild without proper rehabilitation. Young opossums need to learn essential survival skills before they can be released.
Reuniting a Baby Possum with Its Mother
If the baby appears healthy and uninjured, and you suspect the mother is nearby, attempt to reunite them. This is a preferred option if possible.
- Place the baby in a safe, sheltered location near where you found it.
- Monitor from a distance for several hours.
- If the mother does not return by nightfall, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
- Avoid direct contact with the baby, if possible, to minimize scent transfer.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator Immediately
There are certain situations where immediate intervention is critical:
- Obvious injuries: Broken bones, bleeding, wounds.
- Cold to the touch: Hypothermia is life-threatening.
- Weakness or lethargy: Sign of illness or malnutrition.
- Exposure to predators: Cats, dogs, or other animals.
- Found near a dead mother: The baby is definitely orphaned.
- Baby is vocalizing excessively and constantly.
Table: Deciding on the Best Course of Action
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| :————————————— | :——————————————————— |
| Baby appears healthy, mother likely nearby | Monitor from a distance; attempt reunification. |
| Baby appears injured or cold | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| Baby is in immediate danger | Carefully move the baby to safety; contact a rehabilitator. |
| Baby found near a dead mother | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| You are unsure | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. |
Importance of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who have the knowledge and resources to care for injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animals. They play a crucial role in wildlife conservation. Contacting them is the single most important aspect of what you should do if you found a baby possum. They can assess the baby’s condition, provide appropriate medical care, and prepare it for release back into the wild, if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to keep a baby possum warm while waiting for a rehabilitator?
The best way to keep a baby possum warm is to provide a heating pad set on low, wrapped securely in a towel or blanket. Avoid direct contact between the baby and the heating pad to prevent burns. A warm water bottle can also be used, but ensure it doesn’t leak. Regularly check the temperature to ensure it remains consistently warm, but not too hot.
Can I feed a baby possum cow’s milk?
No, you should never feed a baby possum cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is not nutritionally appropriate for opossums and can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and even death. Always defer to the advice of a wildlife rehabilitator for appropriate feeding protocols.
How long should I wait to see if the mother returns before calling a rehabilitator?
If the baby appears healthy and uninjured, observe from a distance for at least 24 hours, if possible. The mother may be out foraging and will return to retrieve her young. If the baby is in immediate danger, contact a rehabilitator immediately, regardless of the timeframe.
Is it safe to handle a baby possum?
While opossums are generally not aggressive, it’s best to minimize handling. Wear gloves, if possible, to protect yourself from potential parasites or diseases. More importantly, excessive handling can stress the baby possum, which can negatively impact its health.
What if I accidentally touched a baby possum with my bare hands?
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. While the risk of contracting diseases is low, it’s always a good idea to practice good hygiene after handling any wild animal.
Will the mother reject the baby if I touch it?
This is a common misconception. Mothers are unlikely to reject their young simply because a human has touched them. However, minimizing handling is still recommended to reduce stress.
How can I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near me?
You can find a wildlife rehabilitator by searching online directories such as the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) or by contacting your local animal control or humane society.
What if I can’t get in touch with a rehabilitator right away?
Continue to keep the baby warm and safe in a quiet, dark place. Do not attempt to feed it. Monitor the baby’s condition closely and try contacting the rehabilitator again. If you are still unable to reach them, contact a veterinarian for advice.
Is it legal to keep a baby possum as a pet?
It is illegal to keep a native wild animal like a possum as a pet in most jurisdictions. Opossums have specific needs that are difficult to meet in captivity, and keeping them as pets is often detrimental to their well-being. Furthermore, owning native wildlife is against the law in many US states and countries around the world.
What are the signs that a baby possum is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry gums, and lethargy. Gently pinch the skin on the back of the baby’s neck. If it doesn’t snap back quickly, the baby is likely dehydrated.
Can I use a heating lamp instead of a heating pad to warm a baby possum?
While a heating lamp can be used, it’s more difficult to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. A heating pad wrapped in a towel is generally a safer and more effective option. If you use a lamp, ensure that the baby possum can move away from the heat source if it gets too warm.
What should I do if I accidentally injured a baby possum while trying to help it?
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately. They will be able to assess the injury and provide appropriate medical care. It is vital that you get proper and immediate care to the baby as the most important point of what you should do if I found a baby possum.