ARE OPOSSUMS NOCTURNAL FULL

It’s worth detailing a few of the possible diseases that possums spread through their feces or urine. Clear the possum feces, by wearing gloves or washing your hands thoroughly afterward.

You should also supervise your pets when they go outdoors. So if you see any possum feces or droppings on your property, make sure your kids know not to touch it. Perhaps more of a concern is that they can often carry viruses or diseases. These droppings can give your home and property a strong, unpleasant smell. Possums that live on your property can leave behind feces and urine. They can help evaluate whether you will need a tetanus shot or other medical treatment. You can also apply some antiseptic to prevent the risk of infection.Īfter you’ve taken care of your bite wound, contact your doctor immediately. If a possum bites you, you should thoroughly wash the injury with soap and warm water.

ARE OPOSSUMS NOCTURNAL FULL

And even if the possum is perfectly healthy, their mouth is full of bacteria that will cause you problems. While rabies is rare in possums, there are other diseases and infections that can be delivered through a possum bite. If you notice a possum is showing signs of rabies such as aggressive behavior or staggering whilst walking, then contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitator. However, it is still technically possible for them to host the rabies virus, even if it is extremely rare. So if you have possums living on your property, the chances of them transmitting rabies to you or your pets are slim to none. This is because possums have a very low body temperature, which makes it difficult for their bodies to host the rabies virus. But according to the Humane Society, this virus is especially rare in possums. Before they bite, they may often bare these teeth as a warning, and if you don’t back off, they can give a pretty painful bite. Possums have a set of fifty razor-sharp teeth. However, if they feel like they are in danger and their first line of defense does not work, they will use their teeth in self-defense. Do Possums Bite?īecause they are such a docile species, possums seldom bite humans or pets. So as long as you don’t intentionally corner a possum in your yard, the chances of them attacking you are incredibly slim. Attacking a predator as a line of defense is usually a possum’s final resort. When a possum feels threatened, their first instinct is to “play possum,” or pretend they are dead. These marsupials will rarely attack unless provoked. Opossum are the only marsupial in the United States.Image: GGA Pest Management Are Possums Aggressive? Mates in late winter, and seven to nine young are born in March, spending the first two months in mom’s pouch. Opossum are known to be immune to snake venom and rarely get rabies.īack to top Reproduction & Family Structure When cornered, the opossum falls into a deathlike state (playing ‘possum).

This two foot long marsupial, about the size of a housecat, has white fur with longer gray hairs, a long, scaly prehensile tail, a long snout with 50 teeth, and ears that often show signs of frostbite. It lives in open woodlands and forest edges, with a preference for habitat with streams, diverse plants, and many den sites such as hollow logs, and it tolerates suburban and urban areas.Īn omnivore, the opossum eats fruits, worms, insects, eggs, and anything edible. This traditionally southern mammal is expanding its range north. Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment.

Are opossums nocturnal