Finding an opossum in your yard is rarely cause for alarm. These animals are shy, non-territorial, and usually just passing through. A little understanding goes a long way toward peaceful coexistence.
There’s an Opossum in My Yard!
Most opossums are transient — they wander through an area for a few nights and then move on, especially once easy food and water are gone. If you would rather it move along sooner, secure trash can lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and pick up fallen fruit. There is almost never a need to trap or remove the animal.
Are They Dangerous?
Opossums are among the most harmless wild animals you can encounter. They are not aggressive and would much rather bluff or flee than bite. Their naturally low body temperature makes them highly resistant to rabies, and they help control ticks, rodents, and insects. Keep pets and children from cornering one, and it will keep to itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an opossum the same as a possum?
In everyday North American speech the two words are used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, “opossum” refers to the marsupials of the Americas, while “possum” is the name of a different group of marsupials native to Australia.
Do opossums carry rabies?
Very rarely. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in them, so they are far less likely to carry it than many other wild mammals.
Should I feed the opossum in my yard?
It is best not to. Wild opossums find plenty of food on their own, and feeding them can make them dependent or attract other wildlife. Simply let them do their natural pest-control work and move on.
Do they make good pets?
No. Opossums are wild animals with specialized needs, and in many places it is illegal to keep them. They are best appreciated from a respectful distance, out in the wild where they belong.