The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America’s only native marsupial. Despite its intimidating appearance, which includes a mouth full of fifty sharp teeth, the answer to whether an opossum is scared of humans is a definitive yes. Their primary reaction to any perceived threat, including people, is avoidance and fear. They are far more likely to retreat than to engage in confrontation.
The Opossum’s Natural Temperament
The opossum’s behavior is driven by an instinct to avoid conflict, favoring flight or concealment over fighting. As solitary and nocturnal animals, they naturally minimize interactions with humans and other predators by foraging under the cover of darkness. If encountered, an opossum will often first try to escape, using its climbing ability to retreat up a tree or seeking refuge in a sheltered space.
If escape is not possible, the animal’s defensive display is usually a bluff intended to scare away the threat. This involves hissing, growling, and baring their teeth in a wide gape. This posture is a fear response and rarely escalates to an actual attack unless the opossum is severely injured or actively protecting its young. Genuine aggression toward humans is an extremely rare occurrence.
Why They “Play Possum”
The famous defense mechanism known as “playing possum” is not a conscious trick but an involuntary physiological reaction called tonic immobility or thanatosis. This state is triggered by extreme stress and fear when the animal’s brain determines that the threat is inescapable. The opossum essentially faints from fright, falling into a temporary, shock-induced catatonia.
During tonic immobility, the animal collapses onto its side, becomes rigid, and its mouth hangs open with saliva dripping out. Simultaneously, the opossum’s heart rate can drop by nearly half, and its breathing slows significantly, making life signs difficult to detect. This performance is often accompanied by the release of a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands, reinforcing the illusion of a rotting carcass that a predator would avoid. The opossum remains in this unresponsive state until the threat has passed, then recovers and retreats.
Assessing Human Safety Risks
Concerns about opossums posing a danger to human health are unfounded, especially regarding the spread of rabies. The opossum’s body temperature is naturally lower than that of most other mammals, typically around 94 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooler internal environment makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive and replicate, providing the animal with high resistance to the disease. While any mammal can theoretically contract rabies, reported cases in opossums are extremely rare, making them an unlikely vector for transmission to humans.
The risk of being bitten is also exceptionally low, as a bite only occurs in a desperate, defensive manner if the animal is handled or cornered. If an opossum is seen in a yard or near a home, the best action is simply to leave it alone. The timid animal will almost certainly move on once it feels safe, utilizing its nocturnal habits to avoid further human interaction.