What to do if you find baby possum? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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What to Do If You Find a Baby Possum: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing what to do if you find baby possum is crucial for their survival. This guide provides expert advice on assessing the situation and taking the appropriate steps to help these vulnerable creatures.

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Introduction: A Delicate Encounter

Finding a baby possum can be an unsettling experience, sparking both concern and uncertainty. Are they truly orphaned? Are they injured? Do they need immediate intervention? The answers to these questions are critical, as mishandling a seemingly abandoned opossum (the scientific name for possum) can unintentionally harm it. This guide, informed by years of wildlife rehabilitation experience, provides a clear roadmap for assessing the situation and taking the appropriate steps to ensure the best possible outcome for the little one. What to do if you find baby possum? The solution isn’t always straightforward, but with the right knowledge, you can make a positive difference.

Assessing the Situation: Is Intervention Necessary?

Before immediately assuming a baby possum needs rescuing, carefully assess the situation. Consider these key factors:

Size and Appearance: A possum smaller than 7 inches (excluding the tail) is likely dependent on its mother. Fur is a good indicator of age – very young possums may be hairless or have only a thin layer of fur.
Location: Is the possum in immediate danger (e.g., near a road, exposed to predators)?
Behavior: Is the possum alert and active, or is it lethargic, injured, or displaying signs of distress?
Mother’s Presence: Observe from a distance (at least 50 feet) for at least 24 hours to see if the mother returns. Mothers often leave their young unattended while foraging.

When Intervention is Absolutely Required

There are instances where immediate intervention is necessary to save a baby possum’s life:

Visible Injuries: Open wounds, broken bones, or signs of trauma.
Cold to the Touch: Hypothermia is a serious threat, especially to young possums.
Weak or Lethargic: Unable to move properly or unresponsive.
Infestation of Flies or Maggots: Indicates severe neglect or injury.
Located Near a Deceased Mother: The baby possum is likely orphaned.
Risk of Traffic or Predators: Immediate danger to its life.

If any of these conditions are present, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Delaying action can significantly reduce the possum’s chances of survival.

Steps to Take Before Contacting a Rehabilitator

If you determine intervention is necessary, take the following steps before contacting a wildlife rehabilitator:

Safety First: Wear gloves to protect yourself from potential diseases and parasites.
Gentle Handling: Use a towel or blanket to gently scoop up the possum.
Warmth: Place the possum in a secure box lined with soft towels or fleece. Provide a heat source, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel or a heating pad set on low. Never overheat the possum.
Quiet and Dark: Keep the box in a quiet, dark place away from pets and children.
No Food or Water: Do not attempt to feed the possum. Inappropriate food or fluids can be harmful or even fatal.

Finding a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Locating a qualified wildlife rehabilitator is critical. Here’s how:

State Wildlife Agency: Contact your state’s fish and wildlife agency for a list of licensed rehabilitators in your area.
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA): Visit the NWRA website (nwrawildlife.org) to find rehabilitators.
Local Animal Shelters and Veterinarians: They may have connections to local rehabilitators.

Provide the rehabilitator with as much information as possible about the situation, including the possum’s age, condition, and location where it was found.

Rehabilitation and Release

Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to provide specialized care for injured and orphaned wildlife. This includes:

Medical Treatment: Addressing injuries, infections, and other health problems.
Proper Nutrition: Providing a species-appropriate diet.
Safe Housing: Creating an environment that mimics the possum’s natural habitat.
Socialization (if necessary): Raising orphaned possums in groups to prepare them for release.
Release: Releasing the possums back into the wild once they are healthy and self-sufficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when dealing with a baby possum:

Assuming it’s orphaned: Always observe from a distance to see if the mother returns.
Feeding it inappropriate food: Cow’s milk, bread, and other human foods can be harmful.
Overheating or chilling it: Maintain a stable, comfortable temperature.
Keeping it as a pet: It is illegal in most areas to keep a wild animal as a pet, and it is detrimental to the animal’s well-being.
Delaying professional help: Prompt action increases the possum’s chances of survival.

A Summary of What to Do if you find baby possum?

Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:

Assess: Is the possum truly orphaned or injured? Observe from a distance for the mother.
Intervene: If necessary, wear gloves, gently handle the possum, and provide warmth.
Contact: Immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Avoid: Feeding, keeping as a pet, or delaying professional help.

Step	Action
—————	————————————————————————-
1. Observation	Observe from a distance to see if the mother returns.
2. Intervention (if needed)	Wear gloves, handle gently, provide warmth, secure in a box.
3. Contact	Immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
4. Avoidance	Do not feed, keep as a pet, or delay professional help.

FAQs About Baby Possums

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to do if you find baby possum?:

What does a baby possum look like?

Baby possums, also known as joeys, vary in appearance depending on their age. Newborns are incredibly small, about the size of a bumblebee, and hairless. As they grow, they develop a fine fur, initially gray or white, and their features become more defined. Their large eyes and prehensile tail are distinct characteristics. Size is a major factor in determining age.

How do I tell if a baby possum is orphaned?

The best way to determine if a baby possum is orphaned is by observing from a distance for at least 24 hours. If the mother doesn’t return, or if the possum is visibly injured or in distress, it is likely orphaned and needs help.

Can I handle a baby possum without getting sick?

While possums are relatively clean animals, it is always best to wear gloves when handling them to protect yourself from potential diseases and parasites, such as fleas or ticks.

What do baby possums eat?

Baby possums need a specialized formula provided by a wildlife rehabilitator. Never give them cow’s milk or other human foods, as these can cause digestive problems and even death.

How long do baby possums stay with their mother?

Baby possums stay with their mother for approximately four to five months. During this time, they ride on her back and learn essential survival skills.

Can I raise a baby possum myself?

Raising a baby possum yourself is strongly discouraged and often illegal. They require specialized care and a species-appropriate diet that is best provided by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

What should I do if I find a baby possum on the road?

If you find a baby possum on the road, carefully move it to a safe location away from traffic. Assess its condition and contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately if it is injured or appears orphaned.

Are possums dangerous?

Possums are generally not aggressive and will only bite if they feel threatened. Their “playing possum” behavior is a defense mechanism to avoid conflict.

What is the best way to keep possums away from my property?

To deter possums from your property, secure your garbage cans, remove potential food sources (such as pet food), and seal any openings in your home or shed.

What diseases can possums carry?

While possums are relatively resistant to rabies, they can carry other diseases and parasites, such as leptospirosis, fleas, and ticks. Always practice caution when handling them.

Should I be concerned if I see a possum during the day?

While possums are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during the day isn’t always a cause for alarm. However, if the possum appears lethargic, disoriented, or injured, it may need help.

What role do possums play in the ecosystem?

Possums are beneficial to the ecosystem as they consume insects, rodents, and carrion. They also help control tick populations. They play an important part in natural pest control.