Opossums are typically nocturnal species but are seen during the day.

• Play dead or faint if they feel threatened, startled, or scared

• Excessively drool as a defense mechanism

• Extremely rare to carry the rabies virus (body temperature may be too low to incubate the virus)

• North America’s only marsupial (pouch carrying “joeys”)

• Immune to venomous snakes

• Eat snakes, small rodents, and garden pests such as slugs

• Make clicking noises when communicating with babies and babies communicate with hissing sounds

• Often hit by vehicle

• Orphaned babies are smaller than a dollar bill (not including their tail) and need immediate care

• Attacked by dogs

• Trapped in chicken coops

• DO NOT use rat poison - the poisoned mouse/rat will kill any animal, including your cat if they consume the poisoned mouse/rat

➡️ Text NC Wildlife Rehab: 704-877-3037 immediately regarding an injured, sick, or orphaned opossum.