Opossums are common nocturnal marsupials frequently encountered across various regions. Their presence, especially within residential areas, is a natural outcome of their adaptable nature. Understanding their behaviors and habits can provide insight into why these animals are often observed near human dwellings.
Possum Presence in Human Habitats
Opossums, specifically the Virginia opossum in North America, are highly adaptable creatures that thrive in diverse environments, including urban and suburban settings. Their range extends from Central America into southern Canada, demonstrating their ability to adjust to varied climates and ecosystems. Primarily nocturnal, they are most active at night, foraging for food and seeking shelter. This nocturnal behavior is why they are often seen after dark.
The natural habitats of opossums, such as forests, swamps, and marshes, often overlap with expanding human development. As human development expands, opossums adapt to altered landscapes, finding new resources and places to live. Their adaptability allows them to persist and flourish in proximity to human activity.
Factors Attracting Possums
Opossums are attracted to residential areas by readily available food, water, and shelter. As opportunistic omnivores, human habitats offer a wide variety of sustenance. Common food attractants include pet food left outdoors, fallen fruits from trees, and unsecured garbage bins. They also scavenge compost piles and consume insects, small rodents, and carrion.
Water sources also play a role in drawing opossums to a property. They may drink from pet water bowls, leaky outdoor faucets, or bird baths. While they can obtain some moisture from their diet, standing water sources like irrigation canals or drainage ditches are appealing.
For shelter, opossums do not construct their own dens but instead seek out existing secure, dark spaces. They often take refuge under decks, sheds, or porches, and may even enter attics or garages if access is available. Woodpiles, brush piles, hollow trees, and rock crevices also provide suitable temporary hiding spots during the day.
Managing Possum Encounters
Managing frequent opossum encounters involves humanely removing or securing attractants. Storing all garbage in tightly sealed, animal-proof containers prevents them from rummaging through discarded food. Similarly, pet food and water bowls should be brought indoors overnight to eliminate easy meal opportunities.
Regularly picking up fallen fruit from trees and securing compost piles further reduces food availability. Maintaining a tidy yard by trimming overgrown shrubs, clearing brush, and sealing potential entry points into structures like sheds, attics, or under decks limits shelter options. Blocking small holes or gaps with materials like hardware cloth prevents access.
If an opossum is seen, observe it from a distance and avoid approaching. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter them from lingering. Scent deterrents, such as peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, or pet fur, can also be effective.