Opossums are often misunderstood creatures and often viewed as a nuisance. But did you know that they also play an important role in the ecosystem? They are one of the few mammals that eat ticks, which can help to reduce the spread of Lyme disease.
At Humane Wildlife Controls, we believe that opossums deserve the same care and respect as any other animal. That’s why we’re sharing our tips and best practices for opossum care and rescue with you today.
How to Identify Opossums
Opossums are easily identified by their gray fur, long tail, and pointed snout. They are also the only North American marsupial, meaning that they carry their young in a pouch.
Opossums are typically active at night and may be seen scavenging for food.
If you spot an opossum that appears injured or in distress, it’s important to contact a wildlife rescue organization or a professional wildlife control service like Humane Wildlife Controls.
Opossum Care and Rescue
If you come across an injured or orphaned opossum, it’s important to handle them with care. Opossums have a natural defense mechanism of playing possum, which means they will appear dead if they are frightened.
However, this doesn’t mean that they are dead. If you see an opossum in this mode, avoid handling it directly and call a wildlife rehabilitation center or expert for assistance.
If you do need to handle an opossum, it’s important to wear gloves for protection. Place the opossum inside a ventilated box with a towel or blanket for warmth. Make sure to provide water for the opossum, but do not attempt to feed it.
Feeding injured or orphaned animals without proper expert guidance can often lead to additional harm. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.
Opossum-proofing Your Property
If you live in an area where opossums are common, take steps to prevent them from getting into your house or garage. Check your property regularly for holes or gaps in walls, doors, and windows.
If you have a garden or fruit trees, consider using netting to protect your harvest. Remove any potential sources of food, such as pet food or outdoor trash cans, or make them inaccessible to opossums.
Another tip is to use motion-sensor lights around your property, which can help to keep opossums away.
The Importance of Humane Wildlife Control
At Humane Wildlife Controls, we believe that wildlife control should always be done humanely. We use the most effective, safe, and humane techniques to remove animals from your property.
Our experts are trained to handle opossums with care and to ensure that they are released safely back into the wild. We also offer opossum-proofing services to help prevent future problems.
If you come across an injured or orphaned opossum, remember to handle it with care and contact a professional wildlife control service or rehabilitation center immediately. By taking steps to opossum-proof your property and utilizing humane wildlife control services, we can coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures.
