Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center

Opossum
Didelphia virginiana

Perhaps because of their naked tail, opossums are often mistaken for rats. The opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. These animals are characterized by their unique mode of reproduction, in which the young are born in an almost embryonic form and make their way to a pouch, where they are nourished.

Habitat: Opossums are found across a variety of habitats but prefer deciduous woodlands.

Diet: Opossums are omnivores and consume an amazing amount of plant and animal foods. They are known to scavenge on carrion and to raid garbage cans. Invertebrates, including insects, slugs, snails, and earthworms, can compose a large part of the diet.

Public Health Issues Associated with Opossums

• Opossums can serve as a host for ticks that transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Problems Associated with Opossums

• Far more complaints arise simply because of an opossum’s presence than because of any specific problems created by opossums.

Solutions

• Place ammonia-soaked rags near openings where opossums have entered (often under porches, garages, or decks). This should be repeated four or five times to make sure all opossums have left. Then take unbleached flour and use it to make a wide circle around the opening. You can determine if the opossum has left the area by looking for its tracks through the flour. Once the opossum exits, secure the hole so that the opossum cannot re-enter.

• Discourage visits by opossums by securing trash containers with tight-fitting lids and picking up food at night if pets have been fed outdoors.