- Opossums are NOT related to rats! They are marsupials, not rodents!
|
- Opossums are NOT destructive. They do not dig, but only scratch the surface looking for bugs. They do not chew their way into your homes, but will enter where there is already a hole or opening.
|
- Opossums are great pest controllers! They eat snails, slugs, and insects, including grubs, cockroaches, crickets, beetles, and ants. They even eat mice and snakes!
|
- Opossums also eat carrion by the side of the road. They help keep our roads clean! Unfortunatey, this is how they also become roadside victims themselves.
|
- Opossums are nomadic. They will not normally stay long in one place. If you see one wander into your yard, he will probably not hang around....unless you are feeding him pet food which you leave on your porch! So pick up the pet food at night!
|
- When scared or cornered they will show their teeth and hiss, but this is a defense tactic. They are not aggressive. They are peaceful and will avoid confrontation. They will only bite when provoked.
|
- As a last defensive resort, the opossum's brain will produce an enzyme which causes them to "play dead." Most predators will ignore a dead animal.
|
- Opossums are HIGHLY UNLIKELY to contract rabies or distemper.
|
