Opossums

 
 

The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial and it is a nocturnal and nomadic scavenger.

DO RESCUE:

  • Any that were attacked by another animal, especially a cat.
  • Any that were hit by a car or moving equipment.
  • All babies found in the pouch of a dead female. Call for advice.
  • Any opossum found by itself that is smaller than eight-inches-long, not including the tail.

DO NOT RESCUE:

  • Any healthy uninjured opossum that is longer than eight inches (not including tail), even if it does not move at your approach. Opossums will freeze and bare their teeth when they feel threatened more often than they will run.

IF IT NEEDS REHABILITATION:

  • DO NOT force feed any injured opossum. Unskilled hands can force food/water into the lungs and excess handling can cause shock and exacerbate the animal’s injuries.
  • DO NOT feed any baby. Unskilled hands can force food/water into the lungs and an improper diet can be fatal.

See Transporting Wildlife. Keep it warm and quiet.