Opossums

About Opossums

Opossums are North America's only marsupial and are frequently encountered in Orange County yards, garages, and under structures. These nocturnal scavengers are generally non-aggressive and are actually beneficial because they eat ticks, snails, and rodents. However, opossums become a nuisance when they den under porches, in crawl spaces, or inside garages, leaving droppings and creating odor issues. They can also damage gardens, knock over trash cans, and steal pet food. While opossums rarely carry rabies due to their low body temperature, they can host fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Humane trapping and exclusion is the recommended approach for removal.

How to Identify Opossums

• Gray to white coarse fur, pointed white face, 24 to 33 inches long including tail
• Hairless, prehensile tail and small rounded ears, often with dark tips
• About the size of a large house cat, weighing 4 to 14 pounds
• Nocturnal; often seen waddling slowly through yards or along fences at night

Lifecycle

Opossums have a very short 12-to-13-day gestation period, after which tiny, undeveloped young crawl into the mother's pouch. Litters average 6 to 9 joeys, though up to 20 may be born. Young remain in the pouch for about 2 months, then ride on the mother's back for several weeks. Opossums live only 1 to 2 years in the wild.

Health & Property Risks

• Leave droppings and urine that create unsanitary conditions and odors
• Carry fleas, ticks, mites, and leptospirosis that can affect pets and people
• Damage insulation, ductwork, and wiring when denning in crawl spaces or attics
• Can become defensive when cornered, displaying teeth and hissing