Opossums are often misunderstood, perceived as pests or disease carriers. These unique marsupials, the only ones native to North America, are generally harmless and play a beneficial role in their ecosystems. Dispelling common misconceptions about their behavior and health risks can foster a better understanding of these adaptable animals. This article explores their true nature, addressing concerns about interactions with humans and pets, disease transmission, ecological contributions, and coexistence.
Assessing Opossum Behavior
Opossums are known for their non-aggressive disposition, typically preferring to avoid confrontation with humans or pets. When faced with a perceived threat, their primary defense mechanism is an involuntary physiological response known as “playing ‘possum,” where they feign death. During this state, they may collapse, become rigid, and secrete a foul-smelling fluid, appearing lifeless to deter predators. This reaction is not a conscious act but rather a catatonic state, which can last for minutes or even hours until the perceived danger has passed.
They are largely solitary and nocturnal, most active during the night. Their shyness means they are rarely a direct threat to people or domesticated animals. Opossums are more likely to retreat or play ‘possum than to attack, unless cornered or severely provoked. Their movements are often slow and deliberate, indicating a lack of aggressive intent.
Disease Transmission Concerns
Concerns about opossums transmitting diseases are often overstated, particularly regarding rabies. Opossums possess a naturally lower body temperature, typically around 94-97 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes their bodies less hospitable for the rabies virus to survive and replicate. This physiological characteristic results in a very low incidence of rabies in opossum populations compared to other wild mammals.
While opossums, like any wild animal, can carry parasites such as fleas or ticks, the actual risk of disease transmission to humans or pets is minimal. They are meticulous groomers, comparable to domestic cats, which helps reduce external parasites. Maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding direct contact with wild animals, including opossums, remains a sensible precaution for preventing any disease spread.
Benefits to the Ecosystem
Opossums contribute positively to their environment through various ecological roles. As opportunistic omnivores and scavengers, they consume a wide range of food sources, including carrion, which helps to clean up the environment and prevent the spread of diseases from decaying organic matter. Their diet also includes insects, snails, slugs, and even small rodents like mice and rats, making them a natural form of pest control.
One notable ecological benefit attributed to opossums is their impact on tick populations. While some studies suggest their role in tick consumption might be overstated, opossums are known to consume a significant number of ticks when grooming themselves. An individual opossum can eliminate thousands of ticks in a season, which could indirectly contribute to reducing tick-borne diseases in an area.
Coexisting with Opossums
Coexisting peacefully with opossums involves minimizing attractants around human dwellings. Securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids prevents opossums and other wildlife from accessing an easy food source. Pet food left outdoors, especially overnight, can also attract opossums, so feed pets indoors or remove uneaten food bowls after feeding.
Managing fallen fruit from trees and keeping compost piles enclosed can deter opossums from frequenting yards. Opossums do not build their own dens and often seek shelter in abandoned burrows, hollow logs, brush piles, or underneath structures. Sealing potential entry points to crawl spaces, sheds, or under decks can prevent them from taking up residence, encouraging them to find natural shelters elsewhere.