Many people are curious about interacting with wildlife, and the idea of “taming” a possum might seem appealing. However, possums are wild animals with distinct behaviors and needs. This article explores why direct attempts at taming are not advisable, focusing instead on responsible interaction and coexistence, and providing insights into their natural characteristics.
Possums as Wild Creatures
Possums, like the Virginia opossum in North America, are unique marsupials that carry their young in a pouch. They are primarily nocturnal, active and foraging for food after dark. During the day, they typically seek shelter in tree hollows, abandoned burrows, or other secluded spots.
They are omnivores with a varied diet. Their diet includes insects, fruits, grains, small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion. They also play a role in the ecosystem by consuming pests like ticks and cleaning up decaying matter. When threatened, possums exhibit defensive behaviors such as hissing, growling, and baring their 50 teeth. A well-known defense mechanism is “playing possum,” an involuntary catatonic state where they appear dead, sometimes drooling and emitting a foul odor.
The Reality of “Taming” Wild Animals
The concept of “taming” a wild animal like a possum differs significantly from domestication. Taming involves conditioning an individual wild-born animal to tolerate human presence, while domestication is a multi-generational genetic modification of a species to predispose it to living with humans. Possums, like other wild creatures, possess inherent instincts making them unsuitable as pets. Attempts to tame them can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous for both the animal and humans.
Wild animals can exhibit unpredictable behaviors, even if they appear accustomed to human presence, potentially leading to bites or scratches. Possums can carry various diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted to humans through urine, feces, or bites. While rabies is rare in possums due to their lower body temperature, other pathogens pose risks. Keeping a wild animal in a domestic setting can also cause immense stress, impacting its welfare and ability to thrive.
Safe Coexistence and Assistance
Responsible interaction with possums involves observing them from a distance, recognizing their wild nature, and avoiding direct contact. If possums are present in unwanted areas, gentle deterrence methods can be employed. This includes securing trash cans with animal-proof lids, removing pet food left outdoors, and sealing potential entry points into homes or sheds. These measures help to prevent conflicts by reducing attractive food sources and shelter.
If an injured, orphaned, or trapped possum is discovered, direct handling should be avoided. The proper course of action is to contact local animal control, a wildlife rehabilitator, or a humane society. Professionals are equipped to handle wild animals safely and provide appropriate care. If temporary containment is necessary before professional help arrives, use a box or carrier and sturdy gloves, minimizing direct physical contact.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Keeping wild animals, including possums, as pets is often illegal without specific permits, with laws varying significantly by jurisdiction. Many states and local ordinances prohibit private ownership of wildlife to protect both animals and public safety. For example, some states allow possum ownership with a permit, while others, like California, prohibit it entirely.
Beyond legal restrictions, there are important ethical considerations regarding wild animals. Removing a possum from its natural habitat interferes with its natural behaviors and ecological role. This can cause the animal significant stress, injury, or even death, as domestic environments cannot replicate the complex conditions of the wild. Prioritizing the welfare of the animal means allowing it to live freely in its natural environment, intervening only when necessary for its well-being through professional channels.