Opossums

What Are Opossums?

North American opossums, often simply referred to as possums, are marsupial mammals that belong to the family Didelphidae. They are the only marsupials native to North America and are known for their unique characteristics and adaptations. Here is an overview of North American opossums:

Are Opossums Harmful?

Opossums may be considered harmful in certain situations, though they are often misunderstood and play an important role in ecosystems. In some circumstances, they can cause issues for humans, pets, and property. Here are several ways in which opossums might be considered harmful:

Pet Safety

• Aggressive Behavior: While opossums are generally shy and non-aggressive, they will defend themselves if cornered or threatened. In rare cases, they may lash out at pets like dogs or cats, particularly if they feel endangered.
• Injuries from Bites: Opossums have sharp teeth and claws, which can result in injuries to pets, especially if the opossum is stressed or feels threatened. A bite from an opossum may also lead to infection if not treated properly.

Property Damage

• Nest Construction: Opossums may seek shelter in attics, crawl spaces, or basements. They often build nests in these spaces, which can lead to structural damage, particularly if they chew on wiring or insulation.
• Shed and Garage Damage: Opossums are known to take refuge in outdoor sheds, garages, and storage areas, where they may damage items or cause a mess.

Health Risks

• Disease Transmission: Opossums are capable of carrying diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. They may also harbor parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit illnesses to pets or humans.
• Salmonella and E. coli: These animals can spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli through their feces, which could contaminate food sources or water supplies.

Fecal Matter

• Fecal Contamination: Opossums may leave droppings in places like attics, basements, or crawl spaces. These droppings can be a health hazard, particularly in confined spaces where they may not be easily cleaned.

Food Source Contamination

• Garbage Scavenging: Opossums are opportunistic feeders and may rummage through trash cans or pet food bowls, contaminating food with bacteria or waste products. This could lead to health concerns if the food is consumed unknowingly by humans or pets.

Noise and Disturbance

• Nocturnal Activity: As nocturnal animals, opossums are most active during the night. Their movements in attics, walls, or under structures can cause significant noise disturbances, leading to sleepless nights or stress for homeowners.

Traffic Hazards

• Road Traffic: Opossums are known to be frequent road hazards as they often wander across roads at night. This increases the risk of accidents, both for the opossum and drivers.

Despite these potential issues, opossums are also beneficial in many ways, such as controlling insect and rodent populations. When they are causing harm, it's often best to contact wildlife professionals to address the situation safely and humanely.

Learn more: Are Opossums Dangerous?

Learn more: Do Opossums Bite?

Opossum Appearance

Opossums have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other wildlife. They are medium-sized marsupials with a unique combination of features:

• Body Size & Shape: Opossums are roughly the size of a domestic cat, measuring between 15 to 20 inches long (excluding the tail) and weighing between 4 to 14 pounds.
• Fur & Coloration: Their fur is coarse and typically grayish-white, though some individuals may appear more brown or black. Their underbelly is usually lighter in color.
• Face & Head: They have a pointed snout with a pink nose and small, black, beady eyes. Their faces often have a white or light-colored contrast against the darker fur on their bodies.
• Ears: Their ears are hairless, black, and rounded, often with a slightly leathery appearance.
• Tail: One of their most recognizable features is their long, hairless, prehensile tail, which is used for balance, carrying materials, and even gripping branches when climbing.
• Feet & Claws: Opossums have sharp claws on all four feet, with opposable thumbs on their hind feet that help them grasp and climb.
• Teeth: They have 50 sharp teeth, more than any other North American land mammal, which they may bare when threatened.

Opossums have a somewhat scruffy, rodent-like appearance but are actually marsupials, related more closely to kangaroos and koalas than to rats or mice.

Learn more: What Do Opossums Look Like?

Learn more: What Do Opossum Droppings Look Like?

Opossum Habitats

Opossums are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of environments. You are most likely to encounter them in the following areas:

Urban & Suburban Areas

Opossums thrive in cities and neighborhoods where food and shelter are readily available. They often seek out:

• Backyards & Gardens – Searching for fallen fruit, pet food, or insects.
• Garbage Cans & Compost Piles – Scavenging for food scraps.
• Under Decks, Porches, & Sheds – Using these spaces as shelter.
• Attics & Crawl Spaces – Occasionally nesting in homes if they find an entry point.

Wooded Areas & Forests

Opossums prefer areas with plenty of trees, as they are skilled climbers. They are commonly found:

• Near Hollow Trees & Logs – Using them as nesting sites.
• Dense Brush & Shrubbery – Providing cover and food sources like insects and berries.

Near Water Sources

Opossums are often found near creeks, rivers, ponds, and marshes, where they can find food like frogs, fish, and invertebrates.

Agricultural & Rural Areas

They often roam farms and ranches, drawn to:

• Barns & Livestock Areas – Looking for spilled grain, small animals, or eggs.
• Fields & Crop Areas – Eating insects, fallen fruits, or vegetables.

Roadways & Suburban Streets

Since opossums are nocturnal and slow-moving, they are often seen crossing roads at night, leading to frequent roadkill incidents.

You’re most likely to encounter opossums at night, as they are nocturnal, but they may occasionally be seen during the day, especially if they are hungry, sick, or disturbed.