Do Opossums Carry Rabies & What to Do When You See One

Opossums are common marsupials found across North America, recognized by their distinct appearance and nocturnal habits. Many people wonder about the health risks associated with wildlife, particularly rabies. This concern naturally extends to opossums.

Opossum’s Unique Resistance to Rabies

Opossums exhibit a notable resistance to rabies, making it exceptionally rare for them to contract the disease compared to other wildlife. Their lower-than-average body temperature, typically ranging from 94 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit (34.4-36.1°C), makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive and replicate effectively within their bodies. This physiological characteristic hinders the virus’s ability to complete its cycle and cause illness.

While any mammal can technically contract rabies, reported cases in opossums are significantly fewer than those in animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. Less than one percent of all reported rabies cases occur in opossums. The virus struggles to incubate successfully at their cooler core body temperature, meaning that even if an opossum is exposed to the virus, it often dies before causing infection.

Despite this natural resistance, an opossum can still carry other diseases, such as leptospirosis, or parasites like ticks, which can pose risks to humans and pets. While rare, there have been documented instances of opossums contracting rabies, highlighting that their resistance is not absolute.

What to Do When Encountering an Opossum

When encountering an opossum, it is best to observe the animal from a distance and avoid direct interaction. Opossums are generally docile and non-aggressive, preferring to avoid confrontation. They often employ a defense mechanism known as “playing ‘possum'” when threatened, where they enter an involuntary, comatose-like state, appearing dead. This behavior, which can include open-mouthed hissing, drooling, and a release of foul-smelling fluid, is a bluff to deter predators.

Healthy opossums are nocturnal, meaning they are active primarily at night. Seeing one during the day does not automatically mean it is sick or rabid; it might be a mother foraging for food or a young opossum dispersing. If an opossum appears sick, injured, or displays unusually aggressive behavior, it is important to contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator. Attempting to handle a wild animal yourself is not recommended, as even a non-rabid animal can bite if it feels cornered or threatened.