Why Would an Opossum Be Out During the Day? Opossum Diurnal Behavior Explained
An opossum seen during the day isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm, but it can indicate a variety of factors ranging from food scarcity to illness or disturbance of their nocturnal habits. Why would a opossum be out during the day? While primarily nocturnal, these creatures may venture out in daylight due to pressure from competition, difficulty finding food at night, disruption of their habitat, or in some cases, illness or injury.
The Opossum’s Nocturnal Nature
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is generally a nocturnal creature, meaning it’s most active at night. Their physiology is geared toward nighttime survival. Their excellent night vision and sensitive hearing help them navigate and forage effectively in the dark. During the day, opossums typically seek shelter in dens, tree hollows, or underground burrows to rest and conserve energy.
Common Reasons for Daytime Sightings
Despite their nocturnal preference, opossums are sometimes seen during the day. Several factors can influence this behavior:
- Food Scarcity: When food is scarce, especially during winter or periods of drought, opossums may be forced to forage during the day to find enough to eat. They might scavenge for scraps in neighborhoods or search for available food sources.
- Habitat Disturbance: Construction, deforestation, or other habitat disruptions can force opossums to move around during the day in search of new shelter or food sources.
- Competition: Intense competition for resources from other animals, including other opossums, can push them to be active during daylight hours when there might be less competition.
- Illness or Injury: Sick or injured opossums may be more likely to be seen during the day. Illness can weaken them, making it difficult to forage effectively at night, while injuries may impair their ability to move quickly and avoid predators.
- Young Opossums: Juvenile opossums learning to forage may be less cautious and more likely to be seen during the day as they explore their environment.
- Mother Opossums: A mother opossum with young joeys, especially if she has a large litter, might need to forage more frequently, including during the day, to provide enough food for her offspring.
Distinguishing Between Normal and Abnormal Daytime Behavior
It’s important to distinguish between normal and abnormal daytime opossum behavior. An opossum that’s moving purposefully and appears healthy may simply be taking advantage of an available food source. However, an opossum that’s stumbling, disoriented, or emaciated may be sick or injured and in need of assistance.
What To Do If You See an Opossum During the Day
If you encounter an opossum during the day, observe its behavior before taking any action.
- Observe from a Distance: Give the opossum space and watch its behavior. If it appears healthy and is moving purposefully, it’s likely just foraging.
- Keep Pets Indoors: To protect both your pets and the opossum, keep dogs and cats indoors.
- Do Not Approach: Avoid approaching or attempting to handle the opossum. They may bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
- Contact Wildlife Professionals: If the opossum appears sick, injured, or disoriented, contact your local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. They can assess the animal’s condition and provide appropriate care.
Table Comparing Possible Causes of Daytime Opossum Sightings
| Cause | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ——————– | ———————————————- | ———————————————————– |
| Food Scarcity | Appears healthy, foraging actively | Leave it alone; ensure trash is securely stored. |
| Habitat Disturbance | Appears healthy, searching for new shelter | Provide undisturbed space; contact wildlife if persistent. |
| Competition | Moving quickly, possibly agitated | Leave it alone; ensure no pet food is left outside. |
| Illness or Injury | Stumbling, disoriented, emaciated | Contact animal control or wildlife rehabilitation. |
| Young Opossum | Appears small, inexperienced | Observe from a distance; mother may be nearby. |
| Mother with Young | Distended pouch, foraging frequently | Leave it alone; provide undisturbed space. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Opossums and Daytime Activity
Is it normal to see an opossum during the day?
No, it’s not strictly normal, but it’s also not necessarily an immediate cause for alarm. Why would a opossum be out during the day? As discussed, a variety of factors could compel this behavior, and it doesn’t automatically mean the animal is sick or injured.
What diseases do opossums carry?
Opossums are remarkably resistant to many diseases, including rabies. While they can carry diseases like leptospirosis and tularemia, they are less likely to transmit them to humans or pets than other wild animals. They also frequently carry fleas and ticks.
Are opossums dangerous to pets?
While opossums are generally docile and non-aggressive, they can defend themselves if threatened. Conflicts with pets can occur, so it’s best to keep pets indoors when an opossum is present. Opossums might also compete with pets for food sources.
What should I do if an opossum is in my yard?
If an opossum is in your yard and appears healthy, simply leave it alone. Ensure your trash is securely stored and remove any potential food sources, such as pet food or fallen fruit. It will likely move on its own.
Do opossums play dead?
Yes, opossums are famous for their “playing possum” behavior. When threatened, they can feign death, emitting a foul odor and drooling to deter predators. This is an involuntary response to extreme stress.
How can I deter opossums from coming into my yard?
To deter opossums, secure your trash cans, remove pet food and water bowls at night, clear away fallen fruit or nuts, and trim overgrown vegetation. Motion-activated lights can also help scare them away.
What do opossums eat?
Opossums are omnivores with a varied diet. They eat insects, rodents, fruits, vegetables, carrion, eggs, and even snakes. Their diet makes them beneficial in controlling pests like ticks and insects.
How long do opossums live?
Opossums have a relatively short lifespan in the wild, typically only one to two years. Predators, traffic, and food availability are major factors affecting their survival.
Are opossums protected by law?
Opossums are generally not protected by federal law. However, state and local regulations may vary. It’s essential to check your local laws before taking any action that could harm or kill an opossum.
What does it mean if an opossum is out during the day shaking or twitching?
If an opossum is out during the day and exhibiting signs like shaking, twitching, or disorientation, it could be a sign of illness, injury, or poisoning. In such cases, it’s crucial to contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Why would an opossum be out during the day near my house?
Why would a opossum be out during the day near your house? It’s likely looking for food, water, or shelter. Your property might offer appealing resources, particularly if you have unsecured trash cans, pet food, or accessible water sources. Or perhaps it’s been displaced, and is seeking refuge.
Can opossums climb fences?
Yes, opossums are skilled climbers and can easily scale fences, trees, and other structures. This ability helps them access food and shelter and escape predators.