Opossums are common sights in many backyards across North America. These adaptable mammals, North America’s only marsupials, often spark curiosity due to their unique appearance and behaviors. Understanding their activity patterns can help clarify observations in residential areas.
Are Possums Nocturnal?
Opossums are primarily nocturnal animals. This behavior helps them avoid predators that are active during the day. Their eyes are specially adapted for low-light conditions, with pupils that remain dilated to maximize light intake.
Foraging for food is also more efficient under the cover of darkness, especially in areas near human habitation where they might scavenge for discarded food. During the day, they typically seek shelter in tree hollows, brush piles, abandoned burrows, or spaces under human structures.
Why Possums Might Be Out During the Day
While opossums are typically nocturnal, seeing one during daylight hours is not necessarily a cause for concern. One common reason for daytime activity is hunger or food scarcity, especially during colder months when food sources might be limited. They may venture out to find sustenance when desperate.
A mother opossum with a litter of young may also forage during the day to meet the increased caloric demands of feeding her offspring. This is particularly common in spring and summer. Additionally, an opossum’s den might be disturbed by human activity, pets, or other animals, forcing it to relocate during the day.
Young or dispersing opossums may be less cautious as they explore new territories, leading to daytime sightings. Although less common, an opossum that appears disoriented, lethargic, or injured might be out during the day. While a common misconception, daytime activity does not automatically mean an opossum has rabies; their low body temperature makes rabies infections rare.
What to Do If You See a Possum During the Day
If you encounter an opossum during the day, it is generally best to leave it undisturbed. Observe the animal from a distance; if it appears healthy and is moving purposefully, it is likely just foraging or seeking a new den. Do not approach or attempt to interact with it.
However, if the opossum shows signs of distress, such as appearing disoriented, lethargic, injured, or exhibiting unusual behaviors like circling or excessive drooling, further action may be warranted. In such cases, it is advisable to contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance rather than attempting to intervene yourself. Maintaining a safe distance protects both you and the animal.