If there were ever a misunderstood animal, it is the opossum. They’re not cute. They hang around our garbage and stress out our dogs late at night when they’re creeping along the fence or around the yard. They’re viewed as dirty little creatures that usually end up being roadkill — or pretending to be roadkill.
However, the truth is that opossums are smarter, cleaner and more beneficial to humans than many other wildlife species.
Most people cringe when they encounter an opossum, thinking they are seeing a dreadful rodent. However, opossums are actually marsupials, like kangaroos and koalas, and carry their babies in a pouch after giving birth. In fact, they are North America’s only marsupials.
They also are avid scavengers, with great adaptability skills and exceptional immune systems. Of the 100+ opossum species in the world, the most common in the United States is the Virginia opossum. Their average life span in the wild is one to two years.
Opossums are actually beneficial, and it's a win-win situation to coexist with them.
They can live just about anywhere and eat just about anything. From mice to insects to trash, anything goes when it comes to supper. They are also not picky when it comes to sleeping arrangements, as any open shed, open car or tree will do just fine.
Opossums are nocturnal, so we mostly see them after dark. Although they technically do not hibernate, they are less active during the winter months.
While most people want to keep critters out of the garden, opossums will eat the slugs and other pests that are harmful to our plants. They also eat snakes — even venomous ones. Furthermore, they specialize in destroying ticks.
Opossums do not carry rabies. That's a common myth, but because their body temperature is slightly lower than that of other mammals, the rabies virus cannot take hold in them.
They are loners, so you will not have a pack of opossums move in. They are also great climbers and swimmers but enjoy traveling on land.
Opossums are very clever animals. Most people know the term “playing possum.” This refers to how opossums play dead as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. They flop over, roll their eyes in the back of their head, stick out their tongues and release a foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands. It’s a tried-and-true way to fool a predator.
The next time you encounter an opossum, just ignore it. It is not out to cause trouble and can actually be useful to have around.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer coordinator for Animal Rescue New Orleans, a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For information on ARNO, visit animalrescueneworleans.org.