We’ve partnered with Trash Cat Coffee to talk about one of our favorite marsupials. The misunderstood, mislabeled opossum!
We won’t dive into the battle of “Opossum” vs “Possum”, but if you’re in the US, we spell it with the “o” and pronounce it with the “p”. They’re the ONLY marsupial located in North America! These little cuties are nocturnal and prefer to be alone, unless it’s mating or breeding season. A female opossum can birth up to 25 babies at a time, but less than half actually survive. They spend their early days in momma’s pouch, and often ride on her back while she scavenges for food. (Not unlike a hungry human toddler!) If a baby falls off, momma opossums don’t go back to retrieve them. Usually they don’t realize they’ve lost one or they’re in danger and must seek safety. Two to three babies of each litter survive and make it to adulthood, which is 1 year. Sadly, opossums only survive 1.5- 2 years in the wild. Some in captivity can live 3-4 years.
Despite being able to climb and swim, opossums prefer to run on land, and can reach speeds of up to 4MPH. True to the old adage, opossums will “play possum” if they feel threatened. This involuntary, catatonic state can last minutes or hours, and no amount of poking or movement can rouse them. In addition to “playing dead”, another survival response is that they can emit a smell similar to that of a dead animal.
Despite persistent myths, opossums are not rabid, disease ridden, aggressive, dirty nuisances. They’re actually peaceful animals who prefer to be left alone. They eat ticks, roaches, snails, snakes, and other “unsavory” critters.
Let’s tackle some of those myths!
MYTH: Opossums are aggressive and carry rabies
FACT: Opossums can often be spotted open-mouthed, hissing, and drooling. This is attributed to them being aggressive and/or rabid. However, this is merely a defense mechanism and rabies in opossums is extremely rare. They’re more scared of you than you are of them! Fun fact: Opossums have a lower body temperature than other mammals (94-97º F) which means the rabies virus can’t survive well even if they’re exposed.
MYTH: Opossums are dirty and carry diseases
FACT: Yes, opossums eat trash, but they’re also meticulous groomers. During their grooming habits, they often encounter ticks, which they eat. A single opossum can eat up to 4,000 ticks per week! While they don’t actively forage for ticks, they will consume the ones on their bodies.
Hey there, trash cats! You’re the unsung heroes in the battle against tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease. We salute you!
MYTH: Opossums are a nuisance
FACT: Sure, they’re going to eat trash that you leave unsecured or out in the open.
We’ve all gotta eat!
But in addition to ticks, they’ll also eat roaches, mice, and rats. Helpful right? And, if you live in an area that’s prone to poisonous snakes? Opossums are resistant to snake venom, so they have no problem chowing down on a rattlesnake or copperhead!
How can you be a friend of the opossum? Leave them alone! And encourage others to do the same. Because of their looks and disposition for trash digging, opossums often fall victim to injury or death at the hands of humans.
If you come across a “dead” opossum, wait 4 hours before attempting to dispose of the animal, as it may be playing. If you see an injured opossum, reach out to your local wildlife office. If you find a dead opossum especially during baby season, please check their pouch! As they are marsupials, babies can survive in their mother’s pouch for a period of time even after the mother has died. Do not remove them yourself, but contact your local wildlife or rehabilitation center for further instructions.
Do not corner an opossum, forcing it to act aggressively. Do not feed them, which will help them lose their fear of humans. Keep your trash and pet food secured. If you see one in the wild, maintain your distance, snap a cute photo for the ‘gram, go on about your business, and allow the opossum to do the same!
If you love opossums, want to support opossum rescue and rehabilitation efforts especially now during baby season, AND love coffee, head over to Trash Cat Coffee Co. Use code UNBIASEDSCIENCE for 10% off your order.
See our social media post here.
Resources:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/didelphis-virginianus#conflict
https://dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com/2019/05/28/opossum-myths-and-facts/
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-opossums
https://www.sacoriverwildlifecenter.org/wildlife-101/opossums/
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-about-opossums