While possums are generally not aggressive and tend to avoid confrontations with humans, encountering one can still be a startling experience, especially if you’re not familiar with these unique creatures. Possums, short for opossums, are North America’s only marsupial, known for their prehensile tails and ability to “play dead” when threatened. If you find yourself face to face with a possum, it’s essential to know how to react to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animal. This article will delve into the world of possums, providing insights into their behavior, how to identify them, and most importantly, what actions to take if you encounter one.
Understanding Possums: Behavior and Identification
Before we dive into the dos and don’ts of encountering a possum, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of their behavior and how to identify them. Possums are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night, but it’s not uncommon to see them during the day, especially in areas where their natural habitats overlap with human settlements. They are omnivores, feeding on a wide range of foods including fruits, insects, and even small animals. One of the most distinctive features of possums is their ability to feign death, a behavior known as thanatosis or death feigning, which they exhibit when threatened or scared. This act of playing dead is quite convincing, as they fall to the ground, stiffen their bodies, and remain motionless, often with their tongue hanging out of their mouth.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Possums have a few key physical characteristics that can help in identifying them. They are generally grayish in color, with a pointed snout and hairless prehensile tail. Adults usually weigh between 8 to 13 pounds and are about the size of a domestic cat. Possums inhabit a variety of environments, from forests to urban areas, and are excellent climbers, often taking shelter in trees or dens they find or create. Their adaptability to different habitats is one reason why encounters between humans and possums are becoming more common.
Possums and Disease: What You Should Know
One of the concerns when it comes to possums is the potential for them to carry diseases. However, it’s worth noting that possums are highly resistant to many diseases, including rabies, due to their lower body temperature compared to other mammals. They can, however, carry other diseases and parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms. While the risk of disease transmission is present, it’s relatively low, especially if you don’t handle the possum. If you’re concerned about diseases or parasites, it’s always best to consult with a professional Wildlife Control service.
Encountering a Possum: Safety Precautions and Actions
If you see a possum, whether it’s in your backyard, on the road, or in a public place, there are several steps you can take to ensure a safe encounter for both you and the animal.
Remaining Calm and Giving Space
The first and most important step is to remain calm. Possums are less likely to attack if they don’t feel threatened. Give the possum a wide berth and let it have a clear path to leave. If the possum is in your yard, you might want to wait until it leaves on its own before approaching the area. Remember, possums are generally shy and will avoid confrontations if possible.
What to Do If a Possum Feigns Death
If the possum starts to play dead, it’s essential not to touch it or try to move it. Wait patiently for the possum to recover, which can take several minutes to an hour, depending on how long it feels threatened. Once the possum recovers, it will leave the area on its own. It’s crucial not to handle or move a possum, even if it appears to be dead, as it could regain consciousness and potentially bite or scratch in defense.
Possums in Your Home or Building
If you find a possum inside your home or building, the priority should be to safely escort it out. Open doors and windows that lead outside to give the possum a clear exit route. You can also try to gently herd it towards the exit using a broom or a similar tool, but be cautious not to startle it. If the possum is in a tight space or you’re unsure about how to remove it, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service.
Preventing Future Encounters
To minimize the chances of future encounters, especially if you live in an area known to have a possum population, consider taking preventive measures. Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids, as possums are attracted to food. Remove any potential food sources from your yard, including pet food and bird seed. You can also consider installing deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or repellents around the perimeter of your property.
Conclusion: Coexisting with Possums
Encountering a possum can be an unexpected experience, but with the right knowledge, it can also be a safe and fascinating one. By understanding possum behavior, knowing how to identify them, and taking the appropriate actions when encountering one, we can peacefully coexist with these intriguing creatures. Remember, possums play a vital role in our ecosystem, helping to control pest populations and contributing to the balance of nature. So, the next time you see a possum, take a moment to appreciate its unique characteristics and the important place it holds in our environment.
What should I do if I encounter a possum in my backyard?
If you encounter a possum in your backyard, it’s essential to remain calm and give it plenty of space. Possums are generally not aggressive animals, but they may defend themselves if they feel threatened or cornered. Keep a safe distance from the possum and avoid direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a challenge. If the possum is in your yard, it’s likely searching for food or shelter, so consider removing any potential attractants such as pet food or trash.
It’s also a good idea to ensure your yard is possum-proofed by removing any potential entry points to your home, such as holes in the roof or walls. Additionally, consider installing a fence or mesh screen around your garden to prevent possums from accessing your plants. If the possum is not causing any issues, it’s best to let it be and allow it to leave on its own. However, if you’re concerned about the possum’s presence or if it’s exhibiting abnormal behavior, it’s best to contact a local wildlife removal service or animal control for assistance.
How can I safely remove a possum from my home or property?
If you need to remove a possum from your home or property, it’s crucial to do so safely and humanely. Start by wearing protective clothing, including gloves, a mask, and eye protection, as possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis. Open all doors and windows to provide the possum with a clear exit route, and encourage it to leave by using a towel or broom to guide it towards the exit. Avoid touching or handling the possum, as this can cause it stress and potentially lead to bites or scratches.
If the possum is in a confined space, such as a garage or shed, you may need to use a humane trap to remove it. Humane traps can be purchased or rented from local animal control services or wildlife removal companies. Once the possum is trapped, release it at least 5 miles away from your property to prevent re-infestation. It’s also essential to seal any entry points to your home or property to prevent future possum invasions. Consider consulting with a local animal control service or wildlife removal company for guidance on safely and humanely removing a possum from your property.
What are the risks of having a possum in my home or property?
Having a possum in your home or property can pose several risks, including the transmission of diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and tularemia. Possums can also carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest your home and spread disease to you and your pets. Additionally, possums can cause significant damage to your property, including chewing on wires, damaging insulation, and leaving behind droppings and urine stains.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to take steps to prevent possum infestations, such as sealing entry points to your home, removing attractants, and installing deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellent devices. If you suspect you have a possum in your home or property, it’s crucial to contact a local animal control service or wildlife removal company for assistance. They can safely and humanely remove the possum and provide guidance on preventing future infestations.
Can I keep a possum as a pet?
While it may be tempting to keep a possum as a pet, it’s generally not recommended. Possums are wild animals that have complex social and spatial needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting. They require a lot of space to move around and climb, and their diet consists of a wide variety of foods that can be challenging to replicate. Additionally, possums can be prone to stress and may exhibit abnormal behavior, such as biting or scratching, when kept in captivity.
In many states and countries, it’s also illegal to keep possums as pets without a special permit or license. If you’re interested in caring for a possum, it’s best to consider volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal sanctuary. These organizations care for orphaned or injured possums with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. By volunteering, you can learn about possum care and behavior while also contributing to the conservation of these amazing animals.
How can I prevent possums from getting into my trash or pet food?
To prevent possums from getting into your trash or pet food, it’s essential to take steps to secure these attractants. Start by storing trash in airtight containers with secure lids, and consider using animal-proof trash cans. Keep pet food and bird seed in secure containers, and avoid leaving them outdoors overnight. You can also consider using motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellent devices to deter possums from approaching your trash or pet food.
Additionally, consider using physical deterrents such as fencing or mesh screens to prevent possums from accessing your trash or pet food. Burying the fence 12 inches underground can also help prevent possums from digging underneath. By taking these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of attracting possums to your property and prevent them from getting into your trash or pet food. It’s also essential to educate your neighbors and community about the importance of securing trash and pet food to prevent possum infestations.
What should I do if I find an orphaned or injured possum?
If you find an orphaned or injured possum, it’s essential to handle it carefully and humanely. Start by wearing protective clothing, including gloves, to prevent the transmission of diseases. Gently scoop up the possum and place it in a secure, escape-proof container, such as a plastic bin or cardboard box. Provide the possum with a warm, safe environment, and consider offering it a shallow dish of water and a small amount of food, such as fruit or leafy greens.
It’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal sanctuary for assistance, as they have the expertise and equipment to care for orphaned or injured possums. They can provide the possum with the necessary medical care and nutrition to help it recover and eventually release it back into the wild. Do not attempt to care for the possum yourself, as this can do more harm than good. By contacting a local wildlife rehabilitation center or animal sanctuary, you can ensure the possum receives the best possible care and has a chance to thrive.