Opossums are common sights in many backyards, and while they are generally perceived as nocturnal animals, it is not uncommon to see them during daylight hours. This can sometimes lead to concern, as people often wonder if a daytime sighting indicates that the animal is sick or in distress. While opossums are primarily active at night, there are several reasons why they might venture out during the day that are not causes for alarm.
Opossum Activity Patterns
Opossums are primarily nocturnal. Their peak activity occurs between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM, when they search for food, groom, and engage in other behaviors. This nocturnal lifestyle serves as a natural defense mechanism, allowing them to avoid many predators active during the day, such as hawks, coyotes, and domestic dogs.
During daylight hours, opossums prefer to rest and hide in secure, quiet places like hollow logs, rock crevices, brush piles, or abandoned burrows. They do not build elaborate dens but instead use existing shelters, often moving between several to avoid predators.
Reasons for Daytime Sightings
While opossums are typically nocturnal, observing one during the day is not automatically a sign of trouble. One common reason for daytime activity is the search for food and water, especially if resources were scarce during the night or if they are experiencing harsh weather conditions. For instance, during colder months, an opossum might emerge during the day to forage when temperatures are warmer and food is more accessible.
Other reasons for daytime sightings include:
Nursing mothers foraging for longer periods to meet increased nutritional needs.
Young opossums venturing out for the first time to explore and find food.
A disturbed den site, forcing relocation during daylight hours.
Overcast weather or cooler temperatures, making daytime foraging more comfortable.
Indicators of Distress
While many daytime sightings are benign, certain behaviors can signal that an opossum is sick, injured, or in distress and may require assistance. These indicators include:
Unusual lethargy, appearing sluggish or unresponsive to its surroundings.
Disorientation, such as walking in circles or appearing confused.
Visible injuries like open wounds, bleeding, matted fur from discharge, or difficulty moving (e.g., limping or dragging a limb).
Physical abnormalities like swelling, a drooping head, or discharge from the eyes or nose.
Approaching humans without fear, or exhibiting aggressive behavior when it would normally retreat.
While opossums are generally resistant to rabies, these erratic behaviors can sometimes be associated with illness.
Living Alongside Opossums
When encountering an opossum, it is best to observe from a distance and avoid direct interaction. These animals are non-aggressive and will move on from an area within a few days. If you observe an opossum exhibiting signs of distress, injury, or unusual behavior, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for guidance. Avoid attempting to handle the animal yourself, as even a distressed animal may bite out of fear, and some can carry parasites or diseases.
To discourage opossums from becoming a nuisance, ensure that potential food sources are not easily accessible. This includes securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, avoiding leaving pet food outdoors, and cleaning up fallen fruit from trees. Removing potential hiding spots like brush piles and sealing entry points to structures such as sheds or porches can also deter them. Opossums contribute to the ecosystem by consuming ticks, slugs, snails, and carrion, making them beneficial neighbors in many environments.