Possums are marsupials commonly found in North America, recognized by their pointed snouts and long, hairless tails. These nocturnal creatures play a beneficial role in local ecosystems as natural scavengers, controlling insect populations and consuming carrion. While found in urban and suburban areas, possums are generally non-aggressive, preferring to avoid confrontation with humans.
Understanding Possum Behavior
Possums are inherently timid and primarily active during nighttime hours, which means encounters with humans are often brief. Their natural inclination is to retreat or hide when they perceive a threat. They are drawn to human habitats due to the availability of food sources and shelter.
A well-known defense mechanism is “playing possum,” feigning death when severely stressed or threatened. This involuntary physiological response causes the animal to become stiff, with slowed heart rate and breathing, and it may emit a foul odor. This behavior deters predators who prefer live prey, signifying extreme fear rather than aggressive intent.
Physical Interactions: Bites and Scratches
Bites and scratches can occur if a possum feels cornered, provoked, or is handled. These incidents are rare, as their primary defense is to flee or “play possum.” Injuries are typically minor, presenting as puncture wounds or superficial scratches.
If a bite or scratch occurs, clean the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Apply an antiseptic to reduce infection risk. Monitor the wound for signs of infection like increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, and seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.
Potential for Disease Transmission
Possums can carry diseases and parasites, though transmission to humans is not common. Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, can transmit through their urine, contaminating water or soil. Symptoms in humans include fever, muscle pains, and in severe cases, kidney issues.
Salmonella is another bacterial concern, carried and shed in their feces. Contact with contaminated feces can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Possums may also host internal parasites and carry fleas and ticks, which are vectors for diseases like Lyme disease.
Possums have a low risk of rabies transmission. Their average body temperature (94-97 degrees Fahrenheit) is generally too low for the rabies virus to survive and replicate effectively. While any mammal can contract rabies, cases in possums are extremely rare due to this physiological characteristic.
Coexisting with Possums
Coexisting with possums involves minimizing attractants and respecting their natural behavior. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, especially at night, to prevent them from frequenting your property. Possums are opportunistic scavengers drawn to easily accessible food sources.
If you encounter a possum, observe it from a distance, allowing ample space to move away. Never attempt to approach, feed, or handle a possum, as this can alter their natural behaviors and potentially lead to defensive actions. Humane deterrence methods, such as motion-activated sprinklers or natural repellents like garlic or peppermint oil, can discourage their presence without causing harm. If a possum appears sick, injured, or is persistently in an undesirable location, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.