Possums are observed at night, leading many to question whether a daytime sighting is cause for alarm. While these marsupials are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during daylight hours does not automatically indicate a problem. Many factors can lead to a possum being active outside its nighttime routine.
Possums: Primarily Nocturnal Creatures
Possums are predominantly nocturnal, with natural activity peaking at night. This behavioral pattern allows them to forage for food, seek mates, and navigate their environment under the cover of darkness. They typically spend their days sleeping in dens, which can include tree hollows, abandoned burrows, or sheltered spots in human-made structures.
Their physical adaptations support this nocturnal lifestyle. Possums possess eyes highly sensitive to low-light conditions, enabling effective vision in the dark. Relying on keen sense of smell and hearing, they locate food and detect predators more efficiently at night. Operating during these hours also helps them avoid many diurnal predators and human activity.
Common Reasons for Daytime Activity
While possums are typically nocturnal, several non-alarming reasons explain why one might be seen during the day. A common scenario involves a mother possum with young. The increased energy demands of nursing a litter often compel her to extend foraging hours into daylight to find enough food for herself and her offspring.
Food scarcity can also drive possums to be active during the day. If nighttime food sources are limited, particularly during colder months or periods of drought, they may venture out in search of sustenance. Additionally, a possum’s den might be disturbed by predators, other animals, or human activity, forcing it to relocate and seek new shelter during the day. In very cold weather, a possum might emerge during the day to find a warmer, sunnier spot or a new, more insulated den. Sometimes, a healthy possum may simply be out briefly during the day, as their nocturnal schedule is not always a rigid rule.
When to Be Concerned and What to Do
Observing a possum during the day does not automatically signal a problem, but certain behaviors warrant concern. Signs of distress or illness include lethargy, circling, disorientation, apparent injury, unresponsiveness, or unusual aggression. Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth can also indicate illness, though it is important to note that possums may drool when playing dead as a defense mechanism.
If a possum exhibits these concerning behaviors, it is important to avoid direct contact. Never attempt to approach, handle, or rescue a possum, even if it appears docile or injured, as they are wild animals and can bite or scratch. Instead, contact local animal control, a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, or a professional wildlife removal service for assistance. These organizations have the expertise and equipment to safely assess and handle the animal. While possums are highly resistant to rabies due to their lower body temperature, any wild animal can carry diseases, reinforcing the need for caution and professional intervention.