Table of Contents
Possum Facts
What is an interesting fact about possums?
Opossums Are Incredibly Agile
However, opossums are world-class tree climbers, with sharp claws, opposable thumbs on their hind feet, and a prehensile tail that helps them scale trunks and hang onto branches. In fact, opossums love trees so much that they often nest in tree hollows.
What is a possum good for?
But far from being a nuisance, opossums can be beneficial for your garden, eating snails, slugs, insects and sometimes even small rodents. They’ll even clean up spilled garbage and fruit that has fallen off trees.
How smart are opossums?
Opossums Are Smart Critters
For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested, opossums outscored rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs but not humans. 2 They also can find their way through a maze more efficiently than rats and cats.
How long do possums stay in one area?
Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable. Wildlife experts agree that if opossums were eliminated from an area, the population of roof rats and other pests would proliferate.
Where do possums sleep?
Possums sleep in nests in hollow trees or dens inside caves, attics, and abandoned buildings on the ground. They don’t like the light, so they usually find places that are well covered during the day to sleep. Typically, any place well-covered, safe from predators, and free will be perfect for a possum to sleep in.
Do possums poop in the same place?
Possum droppings are fairly large and may be confused with dog feces. Possums tend to use the same area as a latrine over and over again, so you may find quite a lot of droppings and urine in one spot.
How can you tell a male from a female opossum?
In addition to size differences, you can tell a male apart from a female by the color of the male’s chest hair. Males have a skin gland used for chemical communication that stains the chest fur yellow. Females have a fur-lined pouch for raising and carrying infants.
Why do opossums have 13 nipples?
The female usually gives birth to 18 to 25 babies, each smaller than a honey bee. The mother has only 13 nipples so if a baby doesn’t latch on to one it will not survive.
Are opossums friendly?
Opossums Are Gentle Wild Neighbors
Opossums are peaceful animals that prefer not to fight although they may hiss, growl, and even bite if cornered. It is much more likely that the opossum will faint or play dead at the prospect of a confrontation.
Can possums be pets?
Short-tailed opossums have grown in popularity as exotic pets over the past few years. They are very good pets for beginners due to their cleanliness, omnivorous diet, and general good health. These opossums are small, friendly creatures with easy care requirementsand they’re cute!
Where do possums live during the day?
Behavior. Basically solitary, opossums avoid one another except during the breeding season in late winter. They are generally nocturnal and they spend the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, or in burrows.
Do possums come out during the day?
While most of their foraging happens at night, opossums can occasionally be seen in the daylight. If food is scarce, they will spend as much time as necessary to locate it, scavenging at all hours. This is especially true during harsh winters.
Will possums eat cats?
Possums are omnivorous wild animals, meaning that they can theoretically kill and eat any small household pet like cats and young dogs.
What is a possums favorite food?
Possums like to munch on vegetables and fruits. They like sweet things but should not eat them in excess. They eat almost anything. Fish and apples are attractive to them.
Do possums mate for life?
They do not mate for life. Female opossums can give birth to an upmost of 24 infants, however, only a third of them usually survive. Young opossums stay with the mother for the first few months of their lives and reach maturity before they are a year old.
Are opossums blind or deaf?
They’re not blind.
Contrary to popular belief, opossums aren’t blind at all. They just have terrible eyesight during the day. Their pupils are always dilated, and as nocturnal animals, an opossum’s eyesight improves drastically at night.
What attracts possums to my yard?
They are attracted to your yard whenever food is plentiful, so leaving food scraps in your garbage will definitely keep them around. In most cases, these animals get attracted by odorous and overflowing garbage cans, any containers left outdoors, or uncovered compost heaps.
Do possums travel in pairs?
Known as solitary animals, they usually live alone when they are not actively breeding. Though preferring to travel by land, opossums are also skilled swimmers and can use their opposable rear thumbs and long tails to effectively climb trees and other structures.
Do possums keep rats away?
Although considered a nuisance in some areas where their populations are high, opossums provide natural pest control. They kill and eat mice, rats and cockroaches, as well as snails, slugs and other garden pests, according to the National Wildlife Foundation.
What time do possums come out?
Opossums are nocturnal, that is they sleep during the day and come out at night, so the chance that a small child will come into contact with an opossum is slim. Opossums prefer to sleep in dark, secluded places.
Do possums go out every night?
Being nocturnal, possums are generally most active at night. The usual signs of having a possum in the roof are heavy bangs on the ceiling or roof at night as they run around, hissing and coughing noises coming from your roof, or stains on your ceiling or a strong ammonia smell caused by their urine.
Where do possums go when it rains?
Rodents, opossums, groundhogs, and other animals may sneak under siding, porches, decks, or other cover around your home. Once they’re nearby, some of these animals may seek out food sources near your home, too. Be especially mindful of animals around your trash cans during and shortly after rainy days.
Is possum poop toxic to dogs?
Opossum feces and urine are very toxic and can make humans seriously ill through contact with contaminated soil, food, and water. They can affect dogs and horses, too. This is also why you should not allow opossums near them.
Do possums climb?
the only pouched mammal in the U.S. and Canada. blessed to have two big toes that act like opposable thumbs. These digits, called halux, help the opossums climb trees with ease. They have this anatomical feature in common with monkeys and other primates.
How do I get rid of possums in my yard?
- STEP 1: Remove possum attractants such as food and water and potential homes. …
- STEP 2: Secure outside entry points to your home; block access to chimneys, vents, or any other holes or gaps. …
- STEP 3: Apply a chemical repellent to your garden. …
- STEP 3: Use electronic repellents to scare possums away.
How long do opossum babies stay with mom?
Opossums normally stay with their mother for about a year. Mothers do not retrieve their babies. If the opossum is less than 10 inches long (not including tail), it must go to a rehabilitator. However, any opossum that is 10 inches long, healthy and uninjured can be left alone.
Do possums build nests in trees?
Ringtail possums are a social species that build nests of bark and leaves called ‘drays’ in which they usually dwell as a family. Brushtail possums are larger, more territorial possums that usually reside in tree hollows. Both species of possum may occasionally take shelter in the roofs of houses.
How can you tell how old a possum is?
Check to see if the opossum’s eyes have opened. A kit will generally open its eyes when it is 55 to 70 days old. A opossum with open eyes is likely to be at least 70 days old. Note if the opossum is still drinking its mother’s milk, if you are observing it in the wild.
Is the O in opossum silent?
The O in “opossum” is spelled but not pronounced. It is a silent letter, just like the H in the word “honest.” The articles “a” and “an” are correctly based on the first pronounced letter, not simply the first letter.
How many teeth does an opossum have?
The Virginia opossum, like all members of the family Didelphidae, has 50 teeth, and the last premolar is the only tooth that is replaced (that is, preceded by a milk tooth) in the adult. Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) baring its teeth.
How long do possums live as pets?
Captive opossums normally live between 3-4 years, however up to 8-10 years has been described.
Do possums like to cuddle?
Even now that she’s older, her favorite things to do are cuddle, eat and sleep – opossums sleep over 18 hours a day, according to Rice.
Do possums smile?
You may have seen them in the wild looking like they are smiling at you, but this is actually one way they can defend themselves. They open their mouths as wide as they can to let predators know just how many teeth they can use to bite, if necessary.
Are possums scared of dogs?
Yes, dogs generally do scare away possums.
They see any animal larger than them as a threat, especially animals that are moving and getting close to them. For this reason, possums will avoid homes and backyards where there are dogs.
How do you befriend a possum?
Offering tidbits such as mealworms or live crickets to your pet opossum by hand is an excellent way to get them to bond with you during the time you are trying to tame them.
What do baby opossums eat?
What to feed baby possums? Once they are big enough to leave the pouch, baby possums can eat just about everything. You can feed them dog and cat food in moderation. You could also feed them insects like cockroaches, worms, slugs, and snails (one of their favorite foods).
Can possums bite?
Opossums are more likely to growl, hiss and show their 50 sharp teeth than to bite. They are a relatively placid animal and like to avoid confrontation at all costs. However, if cornered they do have the ability to bite.
How many babies does a possum usually have?
Babies immediately crawl into the mother’s pouch, where they continue to develop. As they get larger, they will go in and out of the pouch and sometimes ride on the mother’s back as she hunts for food. Opossums may give birth to as many as 20 babies in a litter, but fewer than half of them survive.
Where do possums go in the winter?
Because their fur doesn’t provide much insulation from the cold, opossums typically spend the winter in dens that are dry, sheltered and safe. Opossums are vulnerable to frostbite on their hairless tails, ears and toes, so they often hole up during extremely cold spells. Their dens may be in: Hollow logs or trees.
What are baby opossums called?
Opossums. Like all marsupials, baby opossums are called joeys. The majority of the world’s marsupials live in Australia, and the term joey originates from an aboriginal term meaning small animal.
What do possums hate?
They even hate mothballs and can’t stand the smell or sight of them. Although they hate the smell of ammonia too, we advise you to stay away from it to avoid any health hazards caused due to exposure. Possum repellents can be an effective solution.
What does it mean when a possum goes in circles?
If you see a possum walking in circles, it’s sick and could have rabies.
Do possums jump?
Possums are known to hang unto thing ropes and sticks with their feet, and they can also jump from one place to another with such feet. When they walk, run or climb, they usually leave a track behind them and that can be recognized with the appearance of the number of their toes ( five).
Why do possums make noise at night?
Opossum Noises
Since they are active after dark, opossums are most likely to make sounds at night. The pests are usually silent when they are alone, so hearing opossums means that multiple animals are nearby.
Can a raccoon impregnate a cat?
The two species are completely separate, although domestic cats have sometimes been known to mate with raccoons. The two species cannot interbreed.
Do possums carry diseases?
Opossums can carry a number of infectious diseases including, leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and Chagas disease. Two variants of the rabies virus (bat and skunk) are found in California but all mammals are susceptible to rabies infection.
Do possums like sweet things?
Possums like to munch on vegetables and fruits. They like sweet things but should not eat them in excess. They eat almost anything.
What smells attract possums?
Sweet-smelling fruits and nuts can attract possums. The ones that have fallen to the ground will be easy pickings for them so keep your garden free of rotten fruits. If they start to rot, their scent will become stronger and this will attract opossums to your yard.
What animals eat possums?
Predators include owls, hawks, red foxes, cats, dogs and humans. Opossums protect themselves from predators by playing dead, since most predators will not eat an animal that is already dead.
Where do possums sleep?
Possums sleep in nests in hollow trees or dens inside caves, attics, and abandoned buildings on the ground. They don’t like the light, so they usually find places that are well covered during the day to sleep. Typically, any place well-covered, safe from predators, and free will be perfect for a possum to sleep in.
How big is a 5 month old opossum?
If one of the young becomes separated from its mother it will make sneezing sounds to call her. She, in turn, will make clicking sounds. The young are weaned at approximately 3 months of age and are on their own at 4 1/2 5 months when they are approximately 7-9 inches long from nose to rump, excluding the tail.
How does a possum carry its babies?
Opossum pregnancies last for only 12 days before they give birth to tiny, jelly-bean sized joeys (yes, baby opossums are called joeys) who must then crawl into the pouch. Once there, they latch onto a nipple so they can receive their mother’s milk 24/7. They’ll stay in the pouch for up to 2 months.
Are white possums rare?
This white opossum is a rare creature, but a wonder to see. The dark ears and tail, along with dark eyes, means it has leucism, not albinism.
Are opossums good for anything?
Opossums are omnivorous and are beneficial to humans because they cause very little damage and they consume undesirable insects, snails, and slugs. The many beneficial qualities of opossums include: Keeping neighborhoods clear of unwanted pests like cockroaches, rats, and mice.
Are possums afraid of humans?
Opossums are much more afraid of humans than we are of them. There are two lines of defense for an opossum when confronted by a human. They will rarely attack, or they will play dead to avoid confrontation. The opossum has an instinct to act dead when standing against humans or other animals.
Where do possums live during the day?
Behavior. Basically solitary, opossums avoid one another except during the breeding season in late winter. They are generally nocturnal and they spend the day in hollow tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, or in burrows.
Is it illegal to feed possums?
Generally, it is not okay to feed wildlife.
How long do possums stay in one area?
Opossums are transient animals, staying only 2-3 days in an area before moving on. Removal is neither necessary nor desirable. Wildlife experts agree that if opossums were eliminated from an area, the population of roof rats and other pests would proliferate.
How can you tell a male from a female opossum?
In addition to size differences, you can tell a male apart from a female by the color of the male’s chest hair. Males have a skin gland used for chemical communication that stains the chest fur yellow. Females have a fur-lined pouch for raising and carrying infants.
How many hours do possums sleep?
How Much Do Animals Sleep?
| Species | Average Total Sleep Time (% of 24 hr) | Average Total Sleep Time (Hours/day) |
|---|---|---|
| North American Opossum | 75% | 18 hr |
| Python | 75% | 18 hr |
| Owl Monkey | 70.8% | 17.0 hr |
| Human (infant) | 66.7% | 16 hr |
What is a possums favorite food?
Possums like to munch on vegetables and fruits. They like sweet things but should not eat them in excess. They eat almost anything. Fish and apples are attractive to them.
How smart are possums?
Opossums Are Smart Critters
For one, they have a remarkable ability to find food and to remember where it is. When tested, opossums outscored rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs but not humans. 2 They also can find their way through a maze more efficiently than rats and cats.
Are possums aggressive?
Opossum are not aggressive: their open-mouth, defensive hissing is merely a bluff to look vicious. And if that doesn’t work they play dead when really scared! If there is an opossum in the backyard, don’t worry. They aren’t a threat, and more than likely they will be moving on in a short while.
What attracts possums to your yard?
They are attracted to your yard whenever food is plentiful, so leaving food scraps in your garbage will definitely keep them around. In most cases, these animals get attracted by odorous and overflowing garbage cans, any containers left outdoors, or uncovered compost heaps.
