Opossums are North America’s only native marsupials. While they typically avoid confrontation and remain largely silent, they possess a range of vocalizations used for communication and defense. These sounds provide insight into their behavior, particularly when they feel threatened or are interacting with their young or mates. Understanding these vocalizations helps to demystify these adaptable nocturnal animals.
Common Opossum Vocalizations
Opossums produce several distinct sounds. A common sound is a hiss, a sharp, sudden expulsion of air, similar to a snake’s warning. They also emit a low, guttural growl, which can escalate in pitch when agitated. Another sound opossums make is a clicking noise, involving rapid, repetitive clicks.
Opossums also engage in chattering, a series of rapid, high-pitched noises. When distressed or facing danger, they may produce screeching or screaming sounds, which are high-pitched. Baby opossums, known as joeys, have vocalizations often described as a sneeze-like sound or a “choo-choo” noise.
Understanding What Opossum Sounds Mean
Each opossum vocalization carries a specific message, tied to their survival and social interactions. The hiss serves as a defensive bluff, indicating the opossum feels threatened and aims to deter a potential predator without direct engagement. A growl functions as a warning, signaling agitation or a desire for distance, especially when cornered or establishing dominance during mating.
Clicking sounds play a role in communication, particularly for attracting mates during breeding season. Mother opossums also use clicking to communicate with their young, helping them locate each other. Chattering is associated with courtship rituals between adults or can indicate excitement when exploring new surroundings. Screeching or screaming is a sign of distress, fear, or anger, and male opossums may also scream when competing for mates. Young joeys make sneezing or chirping sounds to signal their presence or distress to their mother, who may respond with a “lip smacking” sound to guide them back.
How to Identify Opossum Sounds
Identifying opossum sounds requires recognizing their quiet nature and nocturnal activity. You are most likely to hear their vocalizations at night, as they are active after dark. Opossum sounds often indicate communication between individuals or a response to a perceived threat.
Their defensive sounds, such as hissing and growling, are distinct and often accompanied by visual cues like baring teeth or adopting a defensive posture. While their sounds can sometimes be confused with other backyard animals like raccoons or cats, opossum vocalizations are less varied. If you hear “choo-choo” sounds in your attic or garage, it could indicate the presence of a mother opossum and her young.