Heres how to discourage pesky possums from hanging around your house and yard.
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With its rat-like tail and hairless ears, the humble opossum doesnt get a lot of respect.
But North Americas only native marsupial, or pouched animal, plays a valuable role in nature.
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They even may raid a chicken coop when the opportunity presents itself.
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, says Sheldon Owen, PhD, wildlife extension specialist at West Virginia University.
They eat everything from plants to garbage to carrion, providing essential ecological cleanup services.
Generally, this curious-looking creature thats about the size of a cat rarely causes problems for the homeowner.
Or it may move in under your crawl space, porch or shed.
Opossums are nocturnal, though youll occasionally see one foraging during the day.
You also can look for its tracks.
Are Opossums Dangerous?
Opossums also arent as dirty as many people think.
They cancarry fleas, but they have resistance to many viruses, including rabies.
Will An Opossum Leave On Its Own?
If faced with a threat it cant escape, a possum will play dead, says Owen.
How To Keep Opossums Away
There are no effective repellants for opossums.
States and cities have varied rules regarding whether and when it’s legal to kill an opossum.
Your local government may either encourage releasing opossums from traps into a remote area or prohibit it entirely.
Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management.Opossums.
University of Maryland Extension.Woodland Wildlife Spotlight - The Misunderstood Opossum.
Miller R. Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.Opossums - killers of ticks.
Apr 18, 2014.
Warren J. Camden Agriculture & Natural Resources Updates.Ode to the Opossum.
Aug. 22, 2022.
Marable A. Alabama Cooperative Extension System.Virginia Opossum: Our Only Native Marsupial.
