What to do with a Lone Baby Possum?
The discovery of a lone baby possum can be alarming, but understanding the right steps can save its life. The most important action is to determine if the possum is truly orphaned; if so, immediate intervention involving a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is essential for its survival.
Understanding the Predicament of Lone Baby Possums
Finding a seemingly orphaned baby possum often triggers immediate concern. However, it’s crucial to assess the situation carefully before intervening. Young possums, like all wild animals, have the best chance of survival when raised by their mothers. Premature removal from their natural environment can severely impact their development and well-being.
Is the Possum Truly Orphaned? A Critical Assessment
Before assuming a baby possum is orphaned, look for signs that the mother is nearby. Mothers often leave their young to forage, and they will usually return.
- Observe from a distance: Give the mother possum time to return, especially if the baby appears healthy and uninjured. Observe from indoors or a concealed location for several hours, ideally during the evening or nighttime hours when possums are most active.
- Check for injuries: A visibly injured, weak, or emaciated baby possum is likely orphaned and in need of immediate help. Signs of injury include open wounds, bleeding, difficulty moving, or an inability to stand upright.
- Consider the location: If the baby possum is in a dangerous location, such as a busy road or exposed to extreme weather, carefully move it to a safer, nearby spot. Leave it in a sheltered area, such as under a bush, and continue to observe for the mother’s return.
- The “Flour Test”: Lightly sprinkle flour around the possum. Check for mother’s footprints nearby after several hours.
When to Intervene and Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If, after careful observation, you are confident the baby possum is orphaned, immediate intervention is necessary. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. These professionals have the expertise, facilities, and permits to care for orphaned wildlife and prepare them for release back into the wild.
Safe Capture and Transport
If the wildlife rehabilitator advises you to capture the baby possum, follow these steps carefully:
- Wear gloves: Always wear gloves (gardening gloves or similar) when handling wildlife to protect yourself from potential diseases.
- Use a towel or blanket: Gently scoop up the baby possum with a soft towel or blanket.
- Place in a secure container: Place the possum in a well-ventilated cardboard box or pet carrier lined with soft bedding (towels or blankets).
- Keep it warm: Provide a heat source, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, placed outside the container. Ensure the baby possum has room to move away from the heat if it gets too warm.
- Keep it dark and quiet: Minimize stress by keeping the container in a dark, quiet location away from children and pets.
- Do not feed or give water: Unless specifically instructed by the wildlife rehabilitator, do not attempt to feed or give water to the baby possum. Improper feeding can be harmful.
The Role of the Wildlife Rehabilitator
Wildlife rehabilitators play a crucial role in the survival of orphaned baby possums. They provide specialized care, including:
- Medical treatment: Addressing any injuries, illnesses, or parasites.
- Proper nutrition: Feeding the baby possum a species-appropriate diet.
- Socialization: Ensuring the baby possum develops the necessary skills for survival in the wild, such as foraging and predator avoidance.
- Release: Releasing the rehabilitated possum back into a suitable habitat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many well-intentioned individuals make mistakes when trying to help orphaned baby possums. Avoid these common errors:
- Keeping the possum as a pet: It is illegal and unethical to keep a wild animal as a pet. Furthermore, baby possums require specialized care that most people cannot provide.
- Feeding the wrong food: Giving a baby possum cow’s milk or other inappropriate foods can cause severe digestive problems and even death.
- Releasing the possum too early: Releasing a baby possum before it is fully independent can significantly reduce its chances of survival.
- Handling the possum without protection: Always wear gloves when handling wildlife to protect yourself from diseases.
- Assuming the possum is orphaned without proper observation: Give the mother time to return before intervening.
Preventative Measures: Reducing the Risk of Orphaned Possums
Taking steps to prevent possum orphanhood can significantly reduce the number of babies that require human intervention.
- Secure garbage cans: Use tightly sealed garbage cans to prevent possums from being attracted to your property.
- Trim overgrown vegetation: Prune bushes and trees to eliminate potential nesting sites for possums.
- Drive carefully: Be aware of wildlife crossing roads, especially at night.
- Keep pets indoors: Supervise pets when they are outside, especially at night, to prevent them from attacking possums.
- Educate others: Share information about possum conservation and responsible wildlife interaction.
What to do with a lone baby possum? Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to keep a baby possum as a pet?
It is illegal in most jurisdictions to keep a native wildlife species, including opossums, as pets without proper permits. Furthermore, possums require specialized care that most people cannot provide. It’s always best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What does a baby possum eat?
Baby possums have very specific dietary needs. Never attempt to feed a baby possum without consulting a wildlife rehabilitator. They typically require specialized milk formulas and, as they grow, a diet of insects, fruits, and vegetables appropriate for their developmental stage.
How can I tell if a baby possum is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a baby possum include sunken eyes, dry gums, and a lack of skin elasticity. Gently pinch a small amount of skin on the back of the neck. If it doesn’t snap back quickly, the possum is likely dehydrated. Immediate veterinary or rehabilitator assistance is crucial.
How do I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near me?
Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or veterinary clinic. They can provide you with a list of licensed rehabilitators in your area.
What should I do if I accidentally injured a possum while driving?
If you accidentally injure a possum, immediately contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator. Provide them with the exact location and details of the injury. Do not attempt to move the animal yourself unless it’s in immediate danger and you can do so safely.
At what age do baby possums become independent?
Baby possums typically become independent at around 3-4 months of age. However, they still require specific care and feeding during this time. A wildlife rehabilitator can determine when a possum is ready to be released back into the wild.
What is the best way to transport a baby possum to a wildlife rehabilitator?
As mentioned before, use a well-ventilated cardboard box or pet carrier lined with soft bedding. Keep it dark and quiet, and maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature. Do not offer food or water unless instructed by the rehabilitator.
How long should I observe a baby possum before assuming it’s orphaned?
Observe from a distance for at least 24 hours, especially during the evening and nighttime hours when possums are most active. Unless the baby is visibly injured or in immediate danger, give the mother ample time to return.
Can possums carry diseases that are harmful to humans?
Yes, possums can carry diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans and pets, such as leptospirosis and fleas. Always wear gloves when handling possums or their droppings, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
What are the signs of a healthy baby possum?
A healthy baby possum should be alert, active, and have bright, clear eyes. It should also have a healthy coat of fur and be able to move around easily.
Can I raise a baby possum with my dog or cat?
Absolutely not! Raising a wild animal alongside domesticated animals is extremely dangerous for both. The possum could be injured or killed by your pet, and your pet could be exposed to diseases.
What are the most significant threats to possums in urban environments?
The biggest threats to possums in urban environments are vehicle collisions, habitat loss, and human interaction (including accidental poisoning from rodenticides). Awareness and preventative measures are essential to protect these animals.