The Virginia Opossum, the only marsupial found in North America, is a creature of the night often encountered silently foraging in yards and neighborhoods. While these nocturnal animals are generally quiet and prefer to avoid detection, they possess a surprisingly varied vocal repertoire that is often misunderstood by people. Their full range of sounds serves multiple purposes, from simple communication between family members to intense defensive warnings.
Addressing the Squeak: Juvenile and Distress Sounds
The high-pitched squeaking sound commonly associated with opossums is most often produced by young joeys, rather than adults. When separated from their mother or siblings, baby opossums will emit a thin, high-frequency sound, sometimes described as a peep or a distress call. These calls are a contact signal, functioning as an alarm to let the mother know their location and that they need to be retrieved.
The juvenile calls are sometimes likened to a sneezing or “pish” noise. An adult opossum, by contrast, only produces a high-pitched sound in an extreme situation of pain or intense fear. This sound is a harsh, brief screech or scream, indicating acute distress when the animal is cornered or severely attacked.
Threat and Warning Vocalizations
The sounds most frequently heard by homeowners are the defensive vocalizations, which are designed to create a momentary bluff and deter a potential threat. The most recognizable of these is the hiss, a sharp, sustained exhale that sounds like a rush of air or “fff-fff-fff.” This sound is typically the first line of defense when the animal is startled at close range, such as by a dog or human, and is a clear warning to keep a distance.
If the threat persists or escalates, the opossum will transition to a deeper, more aggressive sound, such as a growl or snarl. These low, raspy vocalizations are an attempt to appear more formidable than they actually are. The growling is often accompanied by an open-mouthed display of the teeth, which is a key part of their intimidation behavior.
These threat sounds are part of a behavioral sequence, which, if unsuccessful, can culminate in the opossum’s defense mechanism. The hissing and snarling are the animal’s way of avoiding “playing possum,” or tonic immobility, which only occurs when the animal is overwhelmed by terror. By vocalizing, the opossum attempts to resolve the conflict before its body shuts down completely into a death-feigning state.
Quiet Communication Sounds
Beyond the loud defensive noises, opossums utilize quieter sounds for non-threatening communication within their social and reproductive lives. One common sound is a rhythmic dental clicking or chattering, described as “tch-tch-tch,” which serves as a contact call. These soft clicks are used for reassurance, particularly between a mother and her older young, or can indicate exploratory excitement while foraging.
During the breeding season, males use a similar clicking sound, sometimes referred to as a “smack,” as they move in search of a mate. The mother will also use a gentle clicking or “lip smacking” behavior to respond to a separated joey’s distress signal, guiding the baby back to her without alerting predators.
These subtle sounds are often overlooked but represent a calm, functional layer of opossum communication. The quiet chuffing and clicking noises are most often heard while the animal is focused on finding food.