Often misunderstood, opossums are gentle and beneficial animals that quietly contribute to our neighborhoods. These marsupials are North America’s only native species of their kind, and they play a vital role in controlling pests like ticks, slugs, and rodents.
Why Opossums Deserve Respect
Opossums are non-aggressive creatures that help maintain ecological balance. One opossum can eat thousands of ticks in a single season, reducing the risk of tick-borne diseases. Additionally, they are immune to snake venom and help control venomous snake populations.
Coexisting with Opossums
Don’t Feed Them: Feeding opossums can lead to dependency and create issues with neighbors. Instead, let them find natural food sources in your yard, like fallen fruit or insects.
Secure Your Property: Close off access to crawl spaces or attics where opossums might seek shelter. Use sturdy materials to block entry points.
Keep Your Distance: If you spot an opossum, enjoy watching it from afar. They are non-threatening and will usually move along after foraging.
Understanding Opossum Behavior
When faced with danger, opossums may hiss or play dead—a defense mechanism that allows them to escape predators. Despite their fearsome appearance when threatened, they are harmless and prefer to avoid conflict.
To learn more about these remarkable creatures, visit phs-spca.org.
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