Opossums are natural survivors, capable of adapting to various food sources, shelters, and threats. They are well known for playing dead in order to avoid enemies. Be careful when approaching what looks like a dead opossum, as it may surprise you by coming back to life suddenly just as you’re picking it up!

Q: How did an opossum get into my attic?

A: Opossums have sharp teeth and claws, opposable digits on their hind legs, and a prehensile tail, enabling them to get into many areas they don’t belong. They can chew, scratch, and dig their way into spaces in the attic, under the house, or inside the structure.

Q: Do opossums carry rabies?

A: Opossums have an incredible immune system. They are resistant to some snake venom and some poisons, and they are less likely to contract rabies. However they can still carry several other diseases including tuberculosis, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, and Chagas disease. They also carry tick, lice, and fleas, including cat and dog fleas.  

Q: I saw an opossum during the day. Aren’t they nocturnal?

A: They are nocturnal, but they will come out during the day if a food source is more available during the daytime.

Q: What do opossums eat?

A: Opossums are omnivorous opportunists. They can survive on a combination of smaller animals, insects, and fruit. In other words, your trash cans are a five-star restaurant to an opossum. You can keep them out of your trash by sealing it tightly or weighing down the lid with something too heavy for an opossum to move.

Q: Are opossums aggressive?

A: They can be, depending on whether they’re looking for a mate or have their young nearby. When threatened, males may growl, with the pitch of their growl raising the longer they continue. When searching for a mate, opossums make a clicking sound to attract each other. They may also hiss when threatened or make a sneezing sound to call to their mother.