Opossums

How to Identify Opossums

Appearance:

• Similar in size to a house cat
• Gray in color
• White face
• Hairless tail
• 1-3 feet

Habitats:

• Urban and suburban areas
• Opossums den anywhere warm and dry

Threat:

• Being nocturnal and cautious, encountering an opossum is rare
• When threatened, they will “play dead”
• A survival tactic that renders them immobile from half an hour to far longer
• This involuntary reaction renders them harmless
• They can even be moved without being woken up
• If faced with a pet, opossums can bite with sharp teeth

Preventing an Infestation:

• Opossums are opportunistic and constantly relocating their dens
• Make sure to seal garages and patio doors to stop them from getting in to your home

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