Opossums (Didelphis virginiana)

Statistics

• Description: Size of a house cat with large naked ears, short legs, and long prehensile tail
• Habitat: Residential to forests, open woods
• Diet: Omnivores
• Activity: Mostly nocturnal but not strictly
• Breeding Season: January up to October
• Breeding: 2 liters per years with 6-13 young
• Independence: Between 3-4 months
• Lifespan: Up to 2 years

Opossums in trashcans
Place you your trashcan out for pickup the morning of. If you need to have it out the night before make sure the can is
secure (twist-on lid or bungee cord). Between pick-ups secure can as mentioned above or place in a secure building like
a garage or shed.

Opossums eating cat or dog food outside
If you have to feed outdoor pets feed only during the day and remove uneaten food before dusk. Your pets will adjust to the
new feeding schedule quickly.

Opossums living under my deck or house
Opossums find dark cooler places to hide from the heat in the summer. Since opossums do not hibernate they are also known
to hide under houses to find warmth during the cold winter. Opossums are not territorial and generally solitary wanders and
rarely remain in any one area for long periods of time. Place flour or crumple newspaper in from of the opening. Check
frequently. Once the paper is moved or you see footprints, board up entry area. Do not do this during the day as opossums
are nocturnal and will damage property trying to find a way out. Female opossum carries her young in her pouch or on her
back so the possibility of trapping young is low.

I see an opossum during the day, does it have rabies?
Most likely it does not. Scientists believe that opossum's body temperature is too low to support the rabies but you should
never get close to any wild mammal. Opossum's hiss, drool, wobbles back and forth, and even "plays dead" which all
bluff features to scare potential aggressors. There are many reasons why opossum's are out during the day: attracted to
pet food, bird seed, garbage, displaced from its home due to construction. During the winter and early spring months is
mating season and they search for mates through out the day and night.