Opossums

About Opossums

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials native to the Americas, with the Virginia opossum being the most common species in North America. Known for their adaptability, opossums thrive in various environments, from forests to urban areas. They are omnivorous and scavengers, feeding on fruits, insects, small animals, and human waste. Opossums play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect and rodent populations. Despite their beneficial role, they can become pests when they invade human habitats, raiding garbage cans and creating messes. Understanding opossums’ behavior and habits helps in managing their presence and mitigating potential conflicts.

What Do Opossums Look Like?

Opossums have a distinctive appearance with their long, pointed snouts, round ears, and prehensile tails. They are typically about the size of a house cat, measuring 15 to 20 inches in body length, with an additional 10 to 21 inches for the tail. Their fur is coarse and usually grayish-white, although it can vary in color. Opossums have a unique, scruffy look with a white face and dark eyes. Their feet have opposable thumbs on the hind limbs, which aid in climbing. The prehensile tail is hairless and capable of grasping objects, helping them navigate trees and carry nesting materials.

Facts About Opossums Gestation

Opossums have a unique and short gestation period due to their marsupial nature. After mating, the female opossum’s gestation lasts only about 12 to 13 days. She gives birth to tiny, underdeveloped young, each about the size of a honeybee. These newborns crawl into the mother’s pouch, where they continue to develop. Inside the pouch, they attach to a teat and stay there for about two months, receiving nourishment and growing. After leaving the pouch, the young opossums remain with their mother for another month, often riding on her back as she forages. They become independent at around three to four months old.

Opossums Habitat and Behavior

Opossums are highly adaptable and can live in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are primarily nocturnal, foraging at night and resting during the day in burrows, hollow trees, or other sheltered spots. Opossums are solitary creatures, coming together only to mate. They are omnivores, feeding on a diverse diet that includes fruits, insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and even carrion. Opossums are also known scavengers, often raiding garbage cans and compost piles for food. One of their most famous behaviors is “playing dead” or “playing possum” when threatened, a defense mechanism that deters predators.

What Are 5 Unique Facts About Opossums?

1. Opossums are the only marsupials found in North America, carrying their young in a pouch like kangaroos.
2. They have a remarkable immune system and are resistant to many diseases, including rabies and snake venom.
3. Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American mammal, which they use for their omnivorous diet.
4. When threatened, opossums can enter a state of thanatosis, commonly known as “playing dead,” to avoid predators.
5. Their prehensile tails are versatile tools, used for balancing, climbing, and carrying nesting materials, although they do not hang from trees by their tails as commonly believed.

What Are the Problems Related to Opossums?

Opossums can cause several problems, particularly when they enter human habitats. They are known to raid garbage cans, compost bins, and pet food containers, creating messes and attracting other pests. Opossums can also take shelter under decks, porches, and in attics, where they may cause structural damage and leave droppings. Their scavenging habits can lead to the spread of diseases and parasites. Additionally, opossums can cause distress to pets and may act aggressively if cornered. While they play an important ecological role, their presence in residential areas often necessitates management to prevent property damage and maintain hygiene.

What Are the Risks Associated with Opossums?

The primary risks associated with opossums include property damage and potential health concerns. Their habit of rummaging through garbage and compost can lead to scattered waste and unpleasant odors. When opossums take refuge under structures or in attics, they can cause structural damage and contamination with their droppings and urine. Although opossums are generally resistant to rabies, they can carry other diseases such as leptospirosis and parasites like fleas and ticks, which pose health risks to humans and pets. Additionally, opossums may act defensively if threatened, leading to bites or scratches. Proper management is essential to mitigate these risks.

Get Rid of Opossums Treatment

To get rid of opossums, start by eliminating food sources such as garbage, pet food, and fallen fruit. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and bring pet food indoors at night. Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to deter opossums from your property. Install fencing or hardware cloth around gardens, decks, and other vulnerable areas, ensuring it extends at least a foot underground to prevent burrowing. Live traps can be used to capture and relocate opossums, but check local wildlife regulations before doing so. Seal entry points to buildings and structures to prevent opossums from taking up residence. For persistent problems, consider hiring a professional wildlife control service.

Opossums Prevention Advice

Preventing opossums involves making your property less attractive and accessible to them. Securely close and lock garbage cans and compost bins to prevent access. Remove pet food and water dishes at night. Clear away fallen fruit and other food sources from your yard. Use motion-activated lights and sprinklers to deter opossums from foraging around your home. Seal any gaps or entry points under decks, porches, and sheds to prevent them from nesting. Install hardware cloth or fencing around gardens and vulnerable areas, extending it underground to prevent burrowing. Regularly inspect your property for signs of opossum activity and address any issues promptly.