While possums are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during the day is not always a cause for concern. Several normal reasons explain this behavior.
Understanding Possum Activity
Possums are largely nocturnal, but they may venture out during the day for various routine activities. One common reason is the search for food, particularly when resources are scarce or during colder months when foraging at night might be less productive. Mothers with young also require increased amounts of food to support their litter, which can extend their foraging times into the daytime. Additionally, a possum’s daytime resting spot might be disturbed by other animals, such as dogs, or even human activity, prompting them to seek a new, safer location.
Signs of Distress
While a daytime sighting can be normal, certain behaviors indicate a possum may be in distress, injured, or ill. Look for erratic movement, such as stumbling, walking in circles, or disorientation. An unhealthy possum might also exhibit unusual lethargy, unresponsiveness to its surroundings, or visible injuries like limping or matted fur. Excessive drooling, open-mouth breathing, or discharge from the eyes or nose are also indicators that the animal needs assistance.
Responding to a Daytime Sighting
When encountering a possum during the day, it is important to observe its behavior from a distance. If the animal appears to be moving purposefully and shows no signs of distress, it is best to leave it alone. Should the possum exhibit any of the aforementioned signs of illness or injury, keep children and pets away from the animal to prevent further stress or potential harm. Do not attempt to approach, handle, or help the possum yourself. Instead, contact a local animal control agency or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance and assistance.
Possum Safety and Misconceptions
Possums are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation, often “playing dead” as a defense mechanism. This natural behavior, where they become stiff and unresponsive, can sometimes be mistaken for sickness. A common misconception is that possums frequently carry rabies; however, their lower body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive, making rabies cases in possums very rare. Possums contribute positively to the ecosystem by consuming ticks, insects, and carrion, helping to control pest populations and clean up the environment. They pose little threat to humans or pets.