Opossums, common North American marsupials, often appear in backyards and urban areas, leading to questions about their interactions with humans. A frequent concern is whether these animals bite. Understanding opossum behavior offers clarity on this matter, revealing that biting incidents are uncommon. This article explores their natural defenses and how to safely coexist with them.
Opossum Behavior and Typical Defenses
Opossums are generally non-aggressive and timid creatures, preferring to avoid confrontation. Their primary defense mechanism is feigning death, a behavior widely known as “playing ‘possum.” This is an involuntary physiological response to extreme fear or stress, not a conscious act. When threatened, an opossum may collapse, stiffen, and appear lifeless, often with an open mouth, bared teeth, foaming saliva, and half-closed eyes. They may also emit a foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands, further deterring predators. This state of immobility and apparent unpalatability is their first line of defense, making actual biting a rare occurrence.
Understanding Biting Incidents
While opossums are not typically aggressive, biting can occur under specific, defensive circumstances, such as when they feel severely threatened, cornered, or lack an escape route. Scenarios that might lead to a bite include attempting to handle an injured or trapped animal, or if a mother opossum perceives a threat to her young. Opossums possess 50 sharp teeth, the most of any North American land mammal, which they may display along with hissing and growling as a warning. However, these displays are usually bluffs intended to deter perceived threats rather than initiate an attack. It is worth noting that opossums have a naturally low body temperature, typically ranging from 94-97°F (34.4-36.1°C), which makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive and transmit, making rabies in opossums extremely rare.
Safety and Coexistence
To ensure safety and peaceful coexistence, observe opossums from a distance and avoid direct interaction. Never attempt to approach, handle, or provoke a wild opossum. Keeping pets away from opossums is important to prevent conflicts, as dogs are more likely to injure an opossum than the reverse. If an opossum is found in an undesirable location, such as a garage or shed, provide an easy exit or contact local animal control for humane removal. Should a bite occur, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water, apply an antiseptic, and seek medical attention for proper assessment and care, particularly for bacterial infections.