What to Do If You Find an Opossum: A Comprehensive Guide
When you encounter an opossum, your primary responsibility is to observe from a safe distance and avoid direct interaction; most opossums are harmless and simply passing through, but assessing the animal’s behavior and health will dictate whether further action, such as contacting wildlife authorities, is necessary.
Opossums, North America’s only marsupial, often evoke strong reactions. Whether it’s surprise, fear, or curiosity, knowing what to do if you find an opossum is essential for both your safety and the animal’s well-being. Misconceptions abound about these creatures, leading to unnecessary intervention or, conversely, a failure to act when an opossum genuinely needs help. This guide, drawing on expert insights, will equip you with the knowledge to respond appropriately to various opossum encounters.
Understanding Opossums: Debunking Myths
Opossums are often misunderstood. They are not rodents, despite their size and appearance. They are marsupials, more closely related to kangaroos. Here’s what you need to know:
- Nocturnal Nature: Opossums are primarily active at night, so seeing one during the day might be unusual but not necessarily alarming.
- Natural Scavengers: Their diet consists of insects, fruits, carrion, and even snakes, making them beneficial for pest control.
- “Playing Possum”: Their famous defense mechanism is involuntary; when threatened, they feign death, often accompanied by drooling and a foul odor.
- Low Disease Risk: Contrary to popular belief, opossums have a naturally lower body temperature than most mammals, which makes them less susceptible to rabies and other common diseases.
Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Necessary?
The first step in deciding what to do if you find an opossum is to assess the situation. Observation is key.
- Healthy Adult: A healthy adult opossum that is simply passing through your yard typically does not require any intervention. Let it be.
- Injured or Sick: Signs of injury include limping, visible wounds, or difficulty moving. Signs of sickness can include lethargy, disorientation, or being overly docile. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
- Orphaned Young: If you find young opossums without their mother, especially if they are small and appear helpless, they likely need assistance. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Be aware that the mother may be nearby and foraging. Wait a few hours to see if she returns.
- Daytime Activity: While opossums are nocturnal, seeing one during the day isn’t always a sign of distress. However, if the opossum appears disoriented or lethargic, it might be sick and need help.
Safe Practices: Protecting Yourself and the Opossum
Whether you need to intervene or simply observe, follow these safety guidelines:
- Maintain Distance: Always maintain a safe distance from the opossum. Do not approach or attempt to handle it directly.
- Protect Pets: Keep pets indoors or on a leash to prevent any potential conflict.
- Avoid Feeding: Do not feed the opossum. Feeding can lead to dependence and alter its natural foraging behavior.
- Wear Gloves: If you absolutely must handle an opossum (e.g., to move it out of immediate danger under the direction of a rehabilitator), wear thick gloves to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
- Proper Containment (if advised): If directed by a wildlife rehabilitator to contain the opossum, use a sturdy cardboard box or pet carrier lined with soft material, such as towels.
When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Knowing when to call for professional help is crucial when figuring out what to do if you find an opossum. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in the following situations:
- Injured opossum
- Sick opossum
- Orphaned young opossums
- Opossum trapped in a dangerous location
- Opossum exhibiting aggressive behavior (rare, but possible)
To find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact your local animal control, humane society, or state wildlife agency.
Creating an Opossum-Unfriendly Environment
Preventing future encounters can involve making your property less attractive to opossums:
- Secure Trash Cans: Use trash cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent opossums from scavenging for food.
- Remove Food Sources: Clean up fallen fruit, pet food, and birdseed to eliminate potential food sources.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal any openings in your home’s foundation or under your porch to prevent opossums from entering.
- Trim Vegetation: Trim shrubs and trees to eliminate potential nesting sites.
- Install Fencing: Install a fence around your garden or other vulnerable areas.
- Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-activated lights to deter opossums from entering your property.
Table: Opossum Assessment and Action Guide
| Situation | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ———————— | —————————————————————— | ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Healthy Adult | Moving freely, foraging at night | Observe from a distance; no intervention needed. |
| Injured/Sick | Limping, wounds, lethargy, disorientation | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| Orphaned Young | Small, helpless, no mother present for several hours | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator after observing for parental return. |
| Daytime Activity | Generally healthy appearance | Observe from a distance; often foraging but be cautious if behavior changes |
| Trapped/Dangerous Area | Unable to escape; immediate threat (e.g., road, active construction) | Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control; if instructed, carefully move to safety with gloves. |
Bullet Points Summary: What to Do If You Find an Opossum
Here’s a quick recap:
- Observe from a safe distance.
- Assess the opossum’s health and behavior.
- Protect your pets.
- Avoid feeding the opossum.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the opossum is injured, sick, or orphaned.
- Create an opossum-unfriendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to safely observe an opossum from a distance?
Maintain a minimum distance of 10-15 feet. Use binoculars if needed to get a better view without getting too close. Observe from a window or doorway if possible. Watch for any signs of distress or injury.
Are opossums dangerous to pets?
Opossums are generally not aggressive towards pets. However, potential conflicts can arise, especially if a pet feels threatened. To prevent any issues, keep your pets indoors or on a leash when opossums are present.
What should I do if an opossum is trapped in my garage or shed?
Open the door and allow the opossum to leave on its own. Do not try to chase it out, as this could scare it and make it more difficult to remove. If the opossum doesn’t leave on its own, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Can I relocate an opossum myself?
Relocating an opossum is generally not recommended and may even be illegal in some areas. Opossums have specific territories, and moving them can disrupt their ability to find food and shelter. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
How can I tell if an opossum is truly “playing possum” or is actually injured?
“Playing possum” is often characterized by a rigid body, open mouth, and drooling. However, it can be difficult to distinguish from a genuine medical condition. If you are unsure, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What do opossums eat?
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, carrion, and even snakes. They play a beneficial role in controlling pests and cleaning up the environment.
Are opossums immune to rabies?
Opossums are less susceptible to rabies than many other mammals due to their lower body temperature. However, they are not immune, and it’s still important to avoid contact.
How long do opossums live?
Opossums have a relatively short lifespan, typically only 1-2 years in the wild. This is due to various factors, including predation, disease, and habitat loss.
Is it safe to handle baby opossums?
No, it is never safe to handle baby opossums directly. They may carry diseases or parasites. If you find orphaned baby opossums, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
What are some humane ways to deter opossums from my property?
Remove food sources, seal entry points, trim vegetation, and install motion-activated lights. These measures will make your property less attractive to opossums without harming them.
Will opossums attack humans?
Opossums are generally not aggressive towards humans and will typically avoid confrontation. They are more likely to play possum or run away if threatened.
How do I find a reliable wildlife rehabilitator near me?
Contact your local animal control, humane society, or state wildlife agency for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area. Be sure to verify their credentials before entrusting them with an animal’s care.