Many people misunderstand possums, often perceiving them as aggressive or dangerous. This misconception frequently stems from their unique appearance and defensive behaviors. In reality, these North American marsupials are generally docile animals that prefer to avoid confrontation.
Understanding Possum Temperament
Possums, more accurately called opossums, are typically shy, solitary, and nocturnal. They prefer to conduct their activities under the cover of darkness, foraging for food. These creatures often inhabit woodland areas, farmlands, and residential neighborhoods, demonstrating adaptability to various environments.
Their primary survival strategy involves avoidance rather than aggression. Opossums are omnivores, consuming a wide variety of food sources including insects, worms, carrion, fruits, and small mammals. This diverse diet makes them beneficial to ecosystems, helping to control pest populations and remove decaying matter.
Unpacking Defensive Displays
When a possum feels threatened, it employs several involuntary defensive behaviors, often misinterpreted as aggression. The most well-known is “playing possum,” a state induced by extreme fear. During this display, the animal may fall onto its side, become stiff, drool excessively, and emit a foul-smelling fluid, mimicking a deceased animal to deter predators.
Before resorting to playing dead, a possum might hiss loudly and bare its 50 teeth. This display is a bluff, designed to scare away perceived threats without engaging in a fight. Actual bites are rare and typically occur only if the animal feels cornered, handled, or severely provoked, as their natural inclination is to escape.
Safe Encounters and Coexistence
If you encounter a possum, the best approach is to give it space. Creating a disturbance, such as making loud noises, can encourage the animal to leave your property peacefully. Contacting animal control is advisable if a possum appears injured, sick, or exhibits unusual behavior.
To discourage possums from lingering, secure outdoor pet food, tightly close garbage cans, and promptly pick up any fallen fruit. Opossums generally avoid confrontation with domestic pets; dogs are more likely to injure a possum than the reverse. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive, meaning rabies in possums is extremely rare. While they can carry other diseases like leptospirosis and parasites, preventing direct contact and securing food sources helps ensure safe coexistence.