Opossums, North America’s only native marsupial, often evoke alarm due to their appearance. Despite sharp teeth and defensive displays, these animals are generally not dangerous to humans. They prefer to avoid confrontation, remaining unnoticed. An encounter, while unexpected, rarely poses a direct threat.
Understanding Opossum Behavior
Opossums are non-aggressive animals that prioritize escape over confrontation. As nocturnal and solitary creatures, they forage for food at night and spend days resting in hidden spots like hollow logs or brush piles. Their primary defense, “playing ‘possum,” involves involuntarily entering a comatose-like state when severely frightened. In this state, they become limp, may drool, and emit a foul-smelling fluid, appearing unappealing or deceased to predators.
This feigning of death is a survival tactic, not aggression. If cornered and unable to flee or “play ‘possum,” an opossum might hiss, growl, or bare its 50 teeth as a bluff. These displays are warnings, not precursors to an attack. Opossums rarely engage in physical conflict unless provoked or trapped.
Real Risks to Consider
While opossums are docile, minimal risks are associated with their presence. It is rare for opossums to carry rabies, as their average body temperature (94-97°F) is too low for the virus to thrive. Less than 1% of reported rabies cases in wildlife involve opossums, making them much less likely carriers than bats, raccoons, or skunks.
Bites from opossums are uncommon, typically occurring only if the animal feels cornered, is handled, or severely provoked. Any animal bite should be taken seriously due to infection risk. Opossums can host parasites like fleas and ticks, which may transmit diseases like Lyme disease. They also consume many ticks, acting as natural pest controllers. Other diseases, such as leptospirosis and salmonella, can be transmitted through contact with their urine or feces.
Safe Interactions and Prevention
Coexisting peacefully with opossums involves understanding their habits and taking simple preventative measures. If you encounter an opossum, leave it alone and observe from a distance. These animals are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day does not automatically mean it is sick, though injured or disoriented animals may be active then.
To deter opossums from your property, remove potential food sources and shelter. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and clean up fallen fruit. Eliminate hiding spots by clearing brush piles, sealing entry points under decks or sheds, and trimming overgrown vegetation. Opossums are beneficial scavengers that help control pests like insects, snails, slugs, and rodents, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.