Opossums

Identification

• Opossums have a long snout, full jaw

• Females have a pouch for carrying young

Environment

• Generally nocturnal, opossums actively hunting for food at night

• Eat both plants and animals diet consists of fruit, berries, insects, crayfish, small rodents, dead animal flesh, and human garbage

• Breed from January to mid-summer, generally producing 2 litters a year

• Litters consist of 3 to 25 babies and are born about 2 weeks after mating

• At birth, the young crawl into the mother’s pouch they don’t leave her pouch until they are 70 to 80 days old

• Adaptable animals they can successfully survive in residential and suburban areas

Threats

• Opossums will hiss or growl and show their 50 sharp teeth when frightened

• Usually gentle and placid prefer to avoid all confrontations and wish to be left alone

• Can cause damage and contamination if they enter your home (usually in attic)

• As a defense mechanism, opossums will play possum by appearing and smelling like that of a dying or dead animal

Treatment

• Most homeowners’ insurance policies will pay to have the insulation cleaned out and replaced if damage and contamination occurs from opossums