Opossums are common nocturnal visitors in many North American backyards, and these unique marsupials are indeed capable climbers. Their presence often becomes noticeable when they are observed navigating fences or structures around homes. Understanding their climbing abilities is key to managing their interactions with residential areas.
Opossum Climbing Abilities
Opossums possess several physical adaptations that make them skilled climbers. Their paws are agile and nimble, equipped with sharp, non-retractable claws, providing constant grip on various surfaces. The most distinctive feature aiding their climbing is their prehensile tail, which is long, scaly, and sparsely haired. This tail functions like a fifth limb, offering stability, balance, and the ability to grasp objects, though adult opossums typically do not hang by their tails for extended periods due to their weight. They also have opposable thumbs on their hind feet, allowing them to firmly grasp branches and other objects, enhancing their climbing prowess.
Fences Opossums Can Climb
Opossums can scale a variety of fence types with relative ease. Chain-link fences provide abundant footholds and handholds for their claws. Wooden fences, especially those with horizontal slats or rough, textured surfaces, offer sufficient grip. Even some brick or stone walls can be ascended if they have enough irregularities or rough mortar lines for purchase. Challenging surfaces include smooth, slick materials like polished metal, glass, or smooth plastic, as these offer minimal traction for their claws and footpads.
Keeping Opossums Out
Preventing opossums from climbing fences involves modifying the fence to eliminate their climbing advantages. Installing a “floppy top” made of wire netting or PVC piping along the top of a fence can deter them, as the unstable surface prevents them from gaining purchase to go over. Attaching smooth panels of sheet metal or slick plastic, at least 18 inches wide, around the top portion of a fence or tree trunks makes it difficult for them to climb. Regularly trimming tree branches that overhang fences or roofs removes easy access points. Ensuring fences are well-maintained and free of gaps or holes is important to prevent entry.
Why Opossums Visit Your Yard
Opossums are drawn to residential areas primarily by the availability of food, water, and shelter. They are omnivorous and opportunistic scavengers. Common attractants include pet food left outdoors, birdseed, fallen fruit from trees, and unsecured garbage cans or compost bins. Sources of water like pet bowls or bird baths also attract them. For shelter, opossums may seek out secluded, dark places such as sheds, decks, brush piles, or even crawl spaces under homes. Removing or securing these attractants is important to reducing their presence, complementing physical barriers.