Opossums, common marsupials found across North America, often appear in residential areas, leading to questions about their potential danger. While their appearance can seem intimidating, with their pointed snouts and sharp teeth, actual attacks on humans are rare. Opossums are generally non-aggressive animals that prefer to avoid confrontation, exhibiting defensive behaviors only when directly threatened or cornered. Understanding their natural reactions helps promote safe coexistence with these nocturnal creatures.
Understanding Opossum Defensive Behavior
When an opossum feels threatened, its primary defense is to appear unappealing to a predator, often through a behavior known as “playing dead.” This involuntary physiological response, called thanatosis, makes the opossum appear lifeless and unresponsive. During this state, the animal may lie motionless, drool, and release a foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands, mimicking decay to deter predators. This catatonic state can last from a few minutes to several hours, allowing the opossum to remain still until the perceived danger has passed.
Before resorting to playing dead, an opossum may display other non-aggressive defensive bluffs. These include hissing, growling, and baring their up to 50 teeth. These displays are warnings intended to scare off a threat, not an indication of an impending attack. Physical defensive actions, such as biting or scratching, are a last resort. They occur only if the opossum is handled, severely injured, or if a mother is protecting her young and feels trapped.
Preventing Encounters and Responding to Opossums
To minimize encounters with opossums around your home, securing potential food sources helps. Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, especially overnight. Removing fallen fruit from trees and securing compost bins reduces attractions for these opportunistic scavengers. Sealing entry points to your home, sheds, or under decks prevents opossums from seeking shelter in these areas.
If you encounter an opossum in your yard or home, give it space and allow it to leave. Opossums are timid and will move away once they feel the threat has passed. If an opossum is inside a garage or shed, open doors and provide an unobstructed exit, as they are likely just looking for a way out. Gently nudging them with a broom encourages them to leave, but direct contact should be avoided.
In the rare event of an opossum appearing sick, injured, or unusually aggressive, maintain a safe distance and avoid direct contact. Opossums have a naturally low body temperature, which makes rabies rare in these animals; however, caution is still advisable with any wild animal. Instead, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance, as professionals are equipped to handle such situations safely.